Harris is vocal on many issues

THE SIMON HARRIS campaign machine is in full swing, with the Euro Election hopeful to go to the polls in just over a week.

And as voting day draws close, he and his team have certainly been busy, issuing daily bulletins to media organisations far and wide on his views on a wide range of topics.

His releases since the start of the month have included a statement on his representation of the south east; a comment that independent radio should receive a portion of the licence fee, that the PAC should have more powers, and more.

In a comprehensive five-point-plan published this week, Simon aims to tackle unemployment; protect farming communities; empower people with disabilities; sort out the banks and link constituents to Europe. ‘I won’t just disappear should I be elected to Europe.

‘ I’ll be in the town halls, community groups and sports clubs meeting my constituents every week,’ he says in it.

He said that as he has campaigned across the ten counties that make up Ireland South, his belief has been cemented that local radio stations provide public service broadcasting of the highest order.

He said that amendments can be made to the Broadcasting Act 2009 which would allow for local stations to tender for a portion of the charge.

Turning his attention to the PAC ( Public Accounts Committee), he said it should have more powers. Deputy Harris said that Irish citizens deserve answers and that it is arrogant and dismissive for any ECB member to hide behind the arbitrarily-chosen ECB rules.