Latest candidate throws hat in the ring for North WestMidlands European constituency

SINN Féin has announced that a big name from Northern Ireland will be seeking the nomination to stand for the party at this year’s European Elections.

Michelle Gildernew, who is the MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone in the UK Parliament, will be standing in the Midlands-North West constituency which of course includes Co. Sligo.

Gildernew has previously been an MLA in the NI Assembly at Stormont where she served as the Minister for Agriculture in the North.

Part of a political dynasty – brother Colm is one of the MLAs for Fermanagh & South Tyrone with sister Gael a Councillor for MidUlster – the Gildernew named is steeped in tradition with her family in the 1960s being involved with the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association.

Following the announcement of her candidacy, Gildernew said: “The European Union is crucially important to Ireland.

“Ireland needs to be the fore in setting the direction of the European Union in the years ahead, and I want to play a role in making that happen by bringing my experience of negotiation and dealing with EU institutions as a former Agriculture Minister to the job of standing up for Irish interests in the European Parliament.

“The European Union played a key role in ensuring Brexit did not create a hard border in Ireland, and I believe the North’s future must be within the European Union as part of a United Ireland.

“Ireland needs stronger representatives in the European Parliament. A strong Sinn Féin team will call out the EU when needed if it is not acting in the best interest of the Irish people or when EU office holders overstep their remit as the EU

Commission President did in recent months.

“If elected my priorities will include ensuring the EU gets back to focusing on what matters to workers and families, supporting States in dealing with challenges such as the cost of living, regional development and climate change and nsuring the needs of Irish farmers are at the heart of the next round of CAP negotiations.

“My priorities will also include maintaining Ireland’s veto in Foreign Affairs and Defence, protecting Irish neutrality and opposing increased EU military spending. I will work to ensure that the EU is proactive in support of Irish Unity.

“This is a time of huge potential and opportunity for Ireland. If elected as an MEP for the MidlandsNorth West I want to be part of delivering that positive change that communities, workers and families need.”