SDLP: Euro poll in North must not be sectarian
The European election cannot be allowed to become a sectarian vanity contest, the SDLP warned today.
The DUP and Sinn Féin are trying to frame the election as a straight fight between orange and green to top the poll in an effort to mask their poor record in the EU, party leader Mark Durkan added.
Launching the party’s election manifesto alongside candidate Alban Maginness in Belfast, he stressed that the SDLP was the only major party in the North that was pro-Europe.
“This election must not become a sectarian vanity contest,” he said.
“Other parties will want it to be all about who will emerge as top-dog.
“That’s because they have no record in Europe to run on or no positive agenda for the future.
“The bottom line is that they have failed to deliver – and have let you down. And that’s not just in Europe. In the Executive, the record of the two main parties falls far short of what you need and deserve.”
The SDLP has hailed its manifesto as a roadmap to greater prosperity for the North.
Working as a member of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Mr Maginness said he would strive to reform the financial markets, counteract the recession and prepare the local economy to create new jobs and growth.
“As your MEP, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our region will be at the forefront of economic recovery and that positive initiatives to help workers through the worst of the downturn are delivered,” he told voters.
“I will champion the needs of small and medium sized businesses by campaigning for an EU Commissioner who will eliminate red tape. In addition, I will push for new regulation for the whole financial sector, including hedge funds and private equity.”
The party also makes a commitment to develop ’green’ technologies to help drive down energy costs and contribute towards global climate change targets.
Mr Maginness said he would fight for a fair deal for our farmers during negotiations on CAP reform and for a better future for our fishermen and coastal communities.
He also reiterated his party’s backing for the Lisbon Treaty EU reforms.
“SDLP has consistently supported the Lisbon Treaty because we believe it provides for more transparent decision-making and better representation of your interests in Europe,” he added.
“Now more than ever, Northern Ireland needs a strong, credible pro-Europe voice at the very heart of Europe. Global recession demands international, not insular, responses. We need to be outward-looking and forward-thinking. The SDLP is the only major party offering that positive platform to voters in this election.”
