Maginness: When We Win Rural Communities Win

Thursday 14 May 2009

SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness has said the rural economy and rural communities are key to the economic recovery of the North.

SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness has said the rural economy and rural communities are key to the economic recovery of the North.

Speaking from the Balmoral Show, Mr Maginness said the SDLP is determined to keep rural communities vibrant places to work and live.

He said: "The current economic crisis underlines the urgent need to fulfil the EU's goal of becoming the most competitive and dynamic economy in the world. The SDLP believes the agricultural sector can contribute to this vision.

"The agri-food industry encourages the sort of entrepreneurship that can lead the way to economic recovery.

"The SDLP are members of The Party of European Socialists who have led efforts to counter the European Commission's liberal position and sought a proper balance between adapting the CAP to new challenges and the international context, and protecting farmers and the environment.

"I will work with my Socialist colleagues to ensure that the budget made available for farming beyond 2013 takes into account the needs of Northern Ireland's farming industry and its unique contribution to our rural economy.

"We will use the opportunity of CAP reform to integrate health goals into the CAP, with a view to better linking health, environment, infrastructure and agriculture.

"It is the SDLP's aim to encourage further measures that keep our rural communities vibrant places to live and work

"For five years rural communities have lost out for Europe without the SDLP.

"And Europe worked best for rural dwellers when there was an SDLP representation in the European Parliament. It is time for us all to win again."

ENDS