Maginness: A Vision for Europe, Ambition for You

Wednesday 27 May 2009

SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness today outlined his top 10 priorities as the launch of the party's manifesto.

Mr Maginness said the manifesto outlined a vision for Europe and ambition for the people of Northern Ireland.

He said: "Today, we set out our stall in our manifesto which delivers a vision for Europe and ambition for you.

"We will fight to restore the economic voice of the North in Europe and to ensure steps are taken to fight the recession and mass unemployment.

"We will push a new strong recovery plan with coordinated investment in jobs and green growth. That in turn will create more jobs and ensure economic recovery in the North.

"But we will ensure fundamental social rights by protecting the interests of our workers and ensuring that positive initiatives in other EU regions are implemented here - including wage subsidy and new training schemes.

"I will campaign for a commissioner for small and medium sized enterprises, and eliminate red tape in order to promote the needs of local firms at the heart of the EU decision-making process.

"The SDLP will never neglect our rural communities who are key to economic regrowth and renewal.

"Green technologies can provide a sustainable future for those who live in the country and can protect vital services and address infrastructure needs.

"We will support EU-led negotiations for an agreement on a 30 per cent global target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

"We will also fight to secure economic incentives for Northern Ireland to exploit its natural advantages such as wind and water to out-perform European targets and provide employment.

"And the SDLP will stand for strong for a fair deal for our farmers during negotiations on CAP reform and work tirelessly to secure the future of our fishing industry and coastal communities.

"Europe can and will be used as a platform to uphold our founding principles of equality, human rights, social justice and reconciliation in Ireland and throughout the world.

"Just as John Hume championed a 'Europe of the regions' during his term in office, I pledge to work for a new regional policy for the 21st century that allows all regions to respond better to today's difficult economic environment.

"The work of John Hume in proposing and enabling the implementation of the PEACE I and II programmes delivered more £500 million and created more than 8000 jobs around the North and in the border areas.

"The SDLP is proud of this record. We will therefore maintain pressure on the Executive to fully deliver on PEACE III.

"Community and voluntary groups and those working towards a better and shared future must not be overburdened or unfairly obstructed in their quest to secure appropriate funding.

"Northern Ireland needs a strong voice in Europe. It is time for us all to win again."

ENDS