First-time candidates visit Europe

Issued : Friday 19 December, 2008

"Europe has a huge effect and influence over our lives in Ireland", said Aine Clancy from Cabra-Glasnevin in Dublin who spoke with Proinisias de Rossa MEP (Dublin) about the climate change deal that was being struck in Brussels. "Climate change is something that we Europeans must tackle together, and Dublin City Council is the body which will be central in developing strategies for our capital city", Aine said.

Anne Breen from Naas raised issues close to her heart : the need to better develop more educational and recreational facilities for young people, to improve infrastructure and also to improve the care of the elderly. Returning to Naas, Anne Breen is delighted with the positive response from Brussels and is preparing for the Local Elections. "All politics is local and it was important to secure a meeting at the European Parliament. I will continue lobbying locally and wherever I need to in order to resolve issues that affect our community and prove to the people that I am a hard worker dedicated to their needs."

Sinead Seery from Whitehall-Artane area in Dublin spoke to Proinisias de Rossa about the rising number of homes that are being repossessed. "With the number of people on council waiting lists increasing, unemployment increasing and mortgage interest rates continuing to rise, people are becoming increasingly worried about losing their homes", Sinead said.

Mary Kiely from Kilcormac co Offaly travelled especially to brief the MEP on a number of issues, and in particular about the lack of safety features outside Colaiste Naimh Cormac. Speaking at the meeting Mary Kiely outlined her concerns about the road. "What's important to the people of Kilcormac is that they and their children are safe and secure. I am delighted with this opportunity to raise this and many more issues in Brussels providing our MEP Proinsias De Rossa with some concrete local details he can use on behalf of our citizens in the European Parliament."