Historic EU election race gets under way

THE race for the European Parliament got under way officially yesterday, with 59 candidates submitting applications to win a seat in Brussels this May.

The elections will take place on May 23, and are widely considered to be some of the most important in their 40 year-old history, given the uncertainties posed by Brexit.

Ireland has been allocated two extra seats in Brussels as a result of Brexit, but those places will be put on ice if the UK now participates in the elections due to the latest delay in their EU departure. The last two candidates elected in Dublin and Ireland South will not be able to take their seats – or draw down an MEP’s salary – until the UK officially leaves the EU.

The spokesperson said that the issue of whether MEPs who are elected but unable to take their seats or receive a salary would be entitled to take legal action would be one for the government in each member state.

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government did not answer when asked if they had received any advice on the matter yesterday. Notable candidates include Independents 4 Change TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace, failed Presidential hopefuls Peter Casey and Gemma O’Doherty, as well as Senator Alice Mary Higgins, daughter of President Michael D Higgins.

Former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael’s Andrew Doyle, Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher, Anne Rabbitte and Brendan Smith are among the TDs with ambitions for Brussels. The UK currently has a Brexit delay until October 31, but can leave before then if they ratify the Withdrawal Agreement.