Maginness Vows To Secure Fairer Deal

Monday 23 March 2009

SDLP European election candidate Alban Maginness MLA has vowed to fight to secure a fairer deal for farmers, small businesses and community and voluntary groups.

Speaking on a visit to Omagh Livestock Market, Mr Maginness said the people of West Tyrone were better off when there was SDLP representation in the European Parliament.

He said: "Like many in rural communities the SDLP laments not only the five wasted months of political leadership last year but the last five wasted years of inept representation in Europe.

"As farmers and families struggle Sinn Fein and the DUP have failed to show any sort of leadership.

"Of course, these parties did not create the global downturn. But they did waste much better economic circumstances in the nine years they spent opposing, delaying and destabilising our shared institutions.

"And everyone will remember that our present problems - with farmers queuing on the streets for grants, for example - manifested themselves on a Sinn Fein and DUP watch. This must not be allowed to happen again.

"The SDLP want a review of the way grants under the Farm Modernisation Scheme are allocated.

"Even a lottery system would have been fairer than this first come first serve basis. Many farmers will be wondering about the levels of communication between Europe and the Stormont Executive especially when one considers that there is a Sinn Fein minister and MEP. Do they not talk to another?

"Europe worked best for the people of the West Tyrone when there was SDLP representation in the European Parliament.

"We worked hard to ensure that people in Omagh and the greater north-west benefited from our contacts and experience. We never forgot that the people who elected us deserved and expected a return for their support. They don't need reminded what the SDLP did for them in Europe.

"In the midst of the present recession there is one great certainty and that is the collective political and economic strength of the European Union and its institutions.

"I aim to pick up where John Hume left off; and succeed where our current MEPs have so dismally failed.

"I will put the needs of the people back at the top of the agenda.

"In Europe the SDLP will be fighting to secure a fairer deal for our farmers, small local businesses or community and voluntary groups.

"In the more competitive market that EU enlargement has provided, it is vitally important that the North has a strong, pro-European voice to in Europe, with the influence to deliver.

"We acknowledge that changing markets have provided significant challenges for farmers. We believe that support should be given to farmers to help them take advantage of new emerging technologies and to improve business opportunities.

"We have long campaigned for additional public services to support sustainable rural communities and will lobby hard for initiatives that promote economic regeneration, social inclusion and strengthen the fabric of rural society."

"Anyone in this area who recognises that European responses and international measures are needed, if we are to have financial stability and economic growth for the future, needs to support for the only party offering that manifesto - the SDLP."

ENDS

Further information:
Alban Maginness 07890 878955
Or SDLP Press Office 028 9052 1364