Clare independent TD, Michael McNamara has announced he will contest the European election in the Ireland South constituency as an independent candidate.
The former Labour Party TD resigned from that party in 2015 after losing the party whip for voting against the government on the proposal for the sale of Aer Lingus shares.
McNamara has served as chair of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response and is a farmer and barrister.
In relation to his bid for a seat as an MEP, McNamara said: “When the Irish people voted for greater integration of the European Union, they voted to opt out of justice/immigration measures for reasons as valid now as then.
“This government is intent on ceding these key areas of national sovereignty to Brussels. That’s why, more than ever, we will need representation in Europe asking the difficult questions.
“Over the past few years, many people have felt unrepresented in the making of decisions that affect their lives.
“I have questioned the government and tried to make them explain the decisions they make, and I will be asking people for their support to do the same in Europe where more and more of the decisions that affect us in Ireland are made,” he added.
Independent
The independent candidate cited agriculture and renewable energy as key issues for him should he be elected.
“I am committed to protecting family farms, which uphold the highest environmental and welfare standards, from greedy multinational retailers and conglomerates, as well as calling for the introduction of price transparency in the food chain at a European level, which our government has resisted domestically,” he said.
“Funding will need to be put in place before farm families on marginal land, who are already under pressure, are required or asked to curtail agricultural activity.
“While immigration reform is being carried out, the European Union must use its position in the world to address the root causes of mass migration.”
McNamara also explained that he would be a strong advocate for Ireland’s offshore wind energy sector, with “its vast potential held back by government inertia, as has our biomethane sector”.
Supporting Shannon and regional airports to reach their full potential is also on McNamara’s list of priorities.
McNamara said he would also use his position as MEP, should he be elected, to advocate for funding as part of the European Green Deal to increase Ireland’s housing stock through the conversion and renovation of upper floors over commercial units in towns and cities into residential accommodation.
He also said he would work to ensure those on hospital waiting lists can obtain treatment in other European states.