About EU

'Opportunity Europe' welcomed by UUP

2005-09-21T20:36:00.000+01:00

East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson has welcomed the “Opportunity Europe” Programme, which is to be held in N Ireland from 26th September to 4th October a press release reports: "“With the absence of the Assembly the opportunity to consistently bring European matters to the attention of a wider audience in N Ireland has been diminished. However, I am delighted that this deficit is being addressed by this series of events. These will begin, appropriately enough, on the 26th September which is the European Day of Languages. It is important for a variety of reasons that we encourage our people not only to learn a foreign language but also to develop an understanding of different cultures. An opportunity for a language taster will be part of a two day exhibition to be held in St George’s Market in Belfast on the 3rd and 4th October that will include a variety of stands and other activities."

Slow blogging

2005-09-12T21:38:00.000+01:00

I am on my way to Lyon for a conference therefore "About EU" will be a little bit slow this week.

'British EU Presidency intent on Curtailing Civil Liberties' - de Brún

2005-09-10T03:57:00.000+01:00

Reacting to the Charles Clarke's speech at the European Parliament, SF MEP Bairbre de Brún said: "Mr Clarke and the British Government have obviously learned nothing from their experiences in Ireland. Their tough 'anti-terror stance', which is fixated on security at the expense of justice, will only lead to further injustices. It will not make people or communities in the EU any safer."

Irish Uncertain Towards the Constitutional Treaty - Poll

2005-09-10T03:36:00.000+01:00

The European Commission has carried a survey (see the executive summary - pdf) on Irish attitudes towards the EU. The research found that while more than three-quarters of Irish people have heard about the European Constitution, very few know what is in it. The survey reports that awareness about the Treaty has risen substantially over the past year. Just over a third say they are in favour of the constitution with 13% saying they are against it. However, half of Irish people say they have no opinion about the Treaty and two-thirds say that while they have heard about the document, they have no idea what is in it. SF MEP Bairbre de Brún reacted to the poll by saying: "This latest survey clearly shows that people are still none the wiser." More here:

"There are those who will tell us that the EU Constitution referendum defeats in French and the Netherlands were a result of a lack of communication between the EU and citizens. However, it is much more serious than that. It is clear that a fundamental democratic deficit exists within the EU and its institutions. If an EU Constitution referendum is to be held in the 26 counties, then the Government needs to clearly inform people what they will be voting upon, in light of rejection by other EU member states.

"It is particularly worrying that many people are not even aware of the existence of the EU Constitution. This Government must commit itself immediately to a strategy of effectively communicating relevant and independent information on the ramifications of the EU Constitution to the people. If a referendum does take place, then communicating that information during the campaign will be much too late, and leaves no time for informative debate.

"Considering agreement on the EU Constitution was reached during Ireland's stewardship of the European Union then clearly these survey results represents a monumental failure on the part of the government."

Bairbre de Brún Briefed GUE/NGL on Peace Process

2005-09-08T16:11:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that SF MEP Bairbre de Brún "has this morning updated MEPs from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left Group (GUE/NGL)in the European Parliament on the current state of the peace process and the ongoing campaign of loyalist violence against vulnerable nationalist communities. Ms de Brún briefed the MEPs in Strasbourg this morning." More here

Speaking today Ms de Brún said:

"This morning's briefing of MEPs from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left Group in the European Parliament is part of an on-going series of engagements with MEPs from across Europe, on the situation at home. I briefed the group on the IRA initiative of July 28th and the potential for unlocking the peace process. They were also keen to hear at first hand, about the systematic and orchestrated campaign of violence by loyalist paramilitaries, and the unwillingness of the PSNI to deal with the situation.

"It is clear that the peace process can move forward, but only if the political will exists. It is imperative that the two governments act, and that the DUP engages in political dialogue. All of their possible excuses are now gone, although it remains to be seen if they are up to the task of peace-building, or continue to be interested in political grandstanding.

"The European Parliament group expressed their solidarity and support for the peace process and the Sinn Féin peace strategy. They were also keen to find out in what ways they could assist the search for lasting peace in Ireland. We will continue with these engagements, not only to engage with other Europeans, but to internationalise our struggle."

Olympic Games : "A Key Opportunity for NI" - Allister

2005-09-08T15:59:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that "DUP MEP Jim Allister, in addressing the European Parliament on tourism today, called for a nation-wide share out of the benefits which will flow from London hosting the Olympic Games in 2012. Mr Allister also identified 2012 as a key tourism opportunity for Northern Ireland, based on the Titanic centenary. The MEP also managed to make mention of Northern Ireland's momentous football victory over England." More Here
In the course of his remarks, Mr Allister said:-

"Tourism in any region should be a positive contributor to economic growth and stability. Plainly, tourism and terrorism don't mix. As an area, meant to be emerging for good from the dark shadow of IRA terrorism, we in Northern Ireland are beginning to see steady gain from increased tourism.

I greatly welcome this, but recognise that without real governmental commitment, the full potential can never be achieved. Tourism must plan well; it must build on opportunities. The Olympic Games coming to London in 2012 is such an opportunity. I call for not just the Games, but the tourism spin off, to be so managed and organised that every region of the UK will benefit. 2012 also presents particular opportunity to Belfast, as it is the Titanic centenary - I might say we had a "titanic" victory last night in beating England. A world class Titanic exhibition centre is planned for the very site where the famous ship was built. I trust neither national government nor the Commission will be found wanting in financially contributing to the great success which this venture can be."

Charles Clarke' Speech at the EP

2005-09-07T11:38:00.000+01:00

The UK Home Secretary Charles Clarke was addressing this morning a speech to the European Parliament on the fight against terrorism. Clarke insisted that tougher intelligence-gathering powers across Europe to combat terrorism would not erode human rights: "we can only effectively contest them if we know what they are communicating. Without that knowledge we are fighting them with both hands tied behind our backs. And of course the criminals know that and organise themselves to take advantage of our weaknesses" said the Home Secretary. Reacting to this speech, DUP MEP Jim Allister said: "Charles Clarke is right to defend the rights of the targets of terrorism over the perpetrators of terrorism. He is wrong, however, to place reliance on centralised Brussels action over the paramount right and duty of the member state to defend its own citizens. I must also comment that I cannot forget that this tough talking Home Secretary represents the same Government which shamelessly released hundreds of convicted terrorists onto the streets of Northern Ireland, in an attempt to placate the very terrorists who had bombed all parts of the UK, including London. Will history repeat itself in the fight against Islamic terrorism?" I hope not."

Bairbre de Brun Welcomes EU Social Inclusion Programme in Employment

2005-09-06T16:15:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún "has this morning spoken in the European Parliament in support of the establishment of a community programme relating to employment and social cohesion. The programme particularly supports gender mainstreaming and people with disabilities."
More here

Ms de Brún welcomed the report by Karin Jöns MEP regarding the establishment of 'a Community programme for employment and social solidarity - PROGRESS' between the years 2007 and 2013. In her speech, she stressed the importance of providing support for NGOs.

Speaking from Strasbourg Ms de Brún said:

"Let us be clear, the current EU economic strategies are driving more and more people into poverty within the European Union. I hope that this PROGRESS programme can be an important instrument in the fight against social exclusion and on this basis, I will be voting in favour of the report.

"I particularly want to welcome the emphasis placed upon the inclusion of gender mainstreaming, people with disabilities and the NGO sector in this programme. I also want to throw my support behind calls for an increase in financial aid from €628.8 to €943.2 million. If projects such as those to be supported by this programme are to be successful, then resources need to be targeted and sustainable.

"The strengthening of gender equality should be supported wholeheartedly by the European Parliament. In Ireland, the gender pay gap has substantially increased for women and the gap between men's and women's pay is among the largest of any EU member state. Irish women are paid 17% less for the same work as Irish men.

"Sinn Féin believes in bringing about fundamental change within society to both mindsets and social conditions. Let us be clear, the current economic strategies are driving more and more people into poverty within the European Union. I hope that the PROGRESS programme can be an important instrument in the fight against social exclusion. On this basis, I will be voting in favour of the report, and urge my fellow MEPs to do likewise."

Bairbre de Brun Welcomes Directive on Waste Management

2005-09-06T15:41:00.000+01:00

Addressing the European Parliament yesterday, SF MEP Bairbre de Brun said: "Mr President, although mining is less widespread in Ireland now than it once was, some mining companies have left a legacy that continues to pollute our land and water due to a lack of proper checks. A case in point is the situation in Tynagh Mines in Co. Galway in the West of Ireland, which, since its closure in 1981, has continued to be an environmental hazard. Throughout the European Union, hundreds of millions of tons of waste are generated by mining and many sites left in a condition which poses grave dangers. It is important, therefore, to deal not only with waste generated following such a directive but also to deal with historical waste arising from facilities that have been abandoned or which were not shut down properly. We should also reverse the Council’s lifelong exemption from some of the key provisions for certain existing facilities. The rapporteur’s proposals, as one of my colleagues has already said, are balanced; they should be welcomed by responsible companies within the mining industry, as well as by people whose lives and livelihoods have been damaged by irresponsible mining operations. I commend this excellent report by Mr Sjöstedt and thank him for his work."

Bairbre de Brun meets Disability Campainers at the EP

2005-09-06T15:19:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today "met with disability campaigners from across Ireland today at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The group have travelled to Strasbourg to meet with MEPs to press the case for disability rights. They will converge in the French city tomorrow for a protest rally to coincide with the arrival of EU Commissioners." This is part a of a campaign organised by the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) - an organisation of disabled persons from across Europe - campaigning for disability rights and independent living. ENIL are organising the Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2005,a Europe-wide event to foster and support the active citizenship of disabled people in the European Union, particularly disabled people who need personal assistance users and aspire towards Independent Living. The Strasbourg Freedom Drive will also highlight the needs of disabled people in developing countries.

Nicholson spoke against the directive on Waste from Extractive Industries

2005-09-06T13:27:00.000+01:00

I has been reported that UUP MEP spoke against the directive on Waste from Extractive Industries: "He criticised the proposal as another attempt to make "one suit fit all" noting that smaller extractive industries such as small quarries might not be able to cope with the new demands to be imposed under the proposal. He also referred to the different interpretation in the implementation of directives in member states citing the example of the Waste Oil Directive which has been differently interpreted in the UK and the Irish Republic."

Allister Attacks Waste Directive

2005-09-06T11:57:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that DUP MEP Jim Allister " has spoken out in the European Parliament against proposals to impose further legislative restraints on all quarries. During the second reading debate on the Directive of the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries, the MEP labelled proposals to impose the same restraints on non-hazardous quarries, producing inert waste, as on Category A hazardous waste operations, as oppressive and destructive of competitiveness." More here
Mr Allister said:-

"One-size fits all" is one of the curses of EU legislation. If the Environment Committee gets its way here, again, we will have a classic illustration of it in action. Though not all extractive industries have the same environmental and safety impact, the Environment Committee would have this legislation make them all needlessly subject to the same restraint.

Legislation to fit the need is one thing; legislation not tailored to need is invariably oppressive and destructive of competitiveness. And so it is here, with the rapporteur trying to require all sites, regardless of size, product and complexity, to comply with all Articles. There is no sound reason why the shallow sand quarry should be subjected to the same legislative demands as a large deep mine producing hazardous waste.

The requirements for non-hazardous or inert waste should remain proportional and not, as proposed by the Environmental Committee, be largely subject to the same stringency as Category A hazardous waste sites.

With the existing Framework Directive on Waste and the Landfill Directive making adequate provision for non-hazardous waste quarries, there is no convincing or compelling reason for these further burdens on this important sector of our economic production."

Colombia vs Columbia?

2005-09-06T04:40:00.000+01:00

As an observer of this blog emailed me, there is only one correct spelling for the South American state and it is Colombia. According to my Collins dictionary, 'Colombia' refers to the South American state and 'Columbia' to the North-American river which "rising in the Rocky Mountains and flowing through British Columbia", it also names a city in South Carolina, USA. However, the use of either 'Columbia' or 'Colombia' lacks of consistency. I have noticed that the UUP and DUP use the spelling 'Columbia', while not referring to the North-American river, in their press release. However, if we search the word 'Colombia' in SF' search engine, we get 272 answers. More surprisingly, if we search 'Columbia' on the same search engine we get eight answers, excluding the latest press release from Gerry Kelly which managed to spell twice 'Columbia' and once 'Colombia'. If anybody has an explanation, I would be very curious to read it.

Unionists MEPs Urge Dublin to Send "Colombia 3" back to Colombia

2005-09-05T20:18:00.000+01:00

Speaking today at the European Parliament DUP MEP Jim Allister and UUP MEP Jim Nicholson urged Dublin to send back to Colombia the three Irishmen: "I utterly condemn the duplicity and hypocrisy of Dublin, but above all I call on it to end the shame and return these fugitives forthwith" said Jim Allister. Mr Nicholson also used his speaking right to say: "I believe that in the interests of fighting international terrorism these men should be returned to Columbia to finish the sentences they were given there and not be allowed to go free as at present"
More here

STATEMENT FROM JIM NICHOLSON MEP ON THE "COLUMBIA 3"

During this afternoon's session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson called on the Irish government to send the so-called "Columbia 3" back to Columbia.

Mr. Nicholson said, "During this summer we have witnessed the return to the Republic of Ireland of the "Columbia 3". The three mean were convicted in Columbia of assisting the FARC terrorists there. I believe that in the interests of fighting international terrorism these men should be returned to Columbia to finish the sentences they were given there and not be allowed to go free as at present."

ALLISTER LAMBASTS DUBLIN IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

At the start of the first sitting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg after the summer recess, DUP MEP JIM ALLISTER, used an adjournment debate to launch a stinging attack on the Dublin Government continuing to provide sanctuary to the three international terrorists who fled Columbia.

Mr Allister said:-

“I want to draw attention to the fact that since we last met a Member State, the Republic of Ireland, shamefully has been harbouring three convicted international terrorists.

IRA terrorists, Monaghan, Connolly and McCauley, were duly convicted of training FARC guerrillas in Columbia, skipped bail – partly put up by the Dublin Government – and now, on the back of a sordid deal with the IRA, and despite Interpol warrants are brazenly flaunting themselves in Dublin.

To date Ireland has done nothing to meet its international obligations, but rather continues to provide complicit sanctuary for these international terrorists, thereby making a mockery of its affirmations in this House against such terrorism, when President of the Council just over a year ago.

I utterly condemn the duplicity and hypocrisy of Dublin, but above all I call on it to end the shame and return these fugitives forthwith.”

Speaking after the debate Jim Allister said, “I intend to use this international forum to keep the spotlight on Dublin’s failure to meet its international obligations and therefore I will continue the pressure through parliamentary questions and motions.”

Bairbre de Brún to Challenge Jim Allister at the EP

2005-09-05T16:32:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that: "Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this evening address the European Parliament on the continuing campaign of loyalist violence across the 6 counties. Ms de Brún said she would use the forum to challenge 'DUP ambivalence to the sectarian campaign waged against vulnerable nationalist communities.'" Watch the debate on live here. More here

"Ms de Brún is due to deliver a speech in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this evening, highlighting the ongoing campaign of intimidation against nationalists in the North of Ireland and the potential for the peace process in the coming months.

Speaking prior to delivering her speech Ms de Brún said:

"Throughout the summer months there has been a sectarian onslaught against vulnerable catholic and nationalist homes. Bricks, gunfire, petrol bomb and pipe bomb attacks on catholic homes, schools and churches have been an ever-present reality for many isolated nationalist communities. Residents feel vulnerable and powerless in the face of Unionist paramilitary intimidation. They feel angry at the incompetence and inaction of the PSNI, and the relative silence and inaction of unionist political representatives.

"In light of Ian Paisley's comments yesterday, I am challenging my fellow MEP Jim Allister to translate these words into action and to stand shoulder to shoulder with his constituents in North Antrim, Dunmurry, Ardoyne and the Short Strand. I am prepared to meet with Mr Allister to discuss a cross community response to these attacks. It is time for the DUP to stop burying their heads in the sand.""

"All Ireland Task Force Required to Combat Suicide" - de Brún

2005-09-05T12:25:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that: "Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called for the immediate establishment of an all Ireland taskforce to help combat suicide on the island. Ms de Brún said that such a joined up approach could help 'alleviate the numbers of people who either self-harm or take their own lives every year'. The former Assembly Health Minister made her comments after the announcement that the Health Service Executive in the 26 Counties is preparing to establish a 'national office' to help reduce the numbers of people taking their own lives every year." More here
Speaking from Strasbourg today Ms de Brún said:

"I want to welcome the establishment of an agency in the 26 Counties to help co-ordinate the work of the suicide prevention services. The fact that suicide accounts for more deaths than traffic related deaths must stir the relevant services into immediate action.

"In parts of my own constituency, suicide levels have steadily increased, particularly amongst young people. Much more resources are required if we are to effectively combat this growing trend. Resources must be targeted toward community initiatives and groups on the ground who have a wealth of first hand experience in dealing with this issue. Many families of those who have taken their own lives rightly feel let down by the authorities and the fact remains that mental health services north and south remain grossly under-funded.

"Co-ordination, the pooling of resources and a single centre for education and training is not only common sense, but essential on an island of 5 million people. There is a particular concern in border areas that two sets of suicide prevention services has lead to unnecessary duplication.

"I want to reiterate the calls made by Gerry Adams some months ago, that suicide prevention should become an area of co-operation under the Good Friday Agreement and that the Ministers with responsibility in both parts of this island meet to agree, and promote a strategic approach to suicide prevention across the entire island. Such a joined up approach could help alleviate the numbers of people who either self-harm or take their own lives every year."

Opportunity Europe at Saint George's Market

2005-09-05T12:02:00.000+01:00

Building on the success of last year’s New Europe New Faces exhibition, which was arranged by a number of organisations including the Belfast City Council, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), British Council and the European Commission, another exciting two-day fair is being planned this year called Opportunity Europe. This year’s two–day exhibition and fair, which also has the support of the Education and Library Boards, will take place at St George’s Market in Belfast on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 October. The fair aims to highlight opportunities in Europe and connections in Northern Ireland, particularly for young people, in business, work, education and leisure. The fair will include language tasters, exhibition stands and many other activities, all aiming to raise awareness of these opportunities. More information can be obtained at europe@belfastcity.gov.uk

SDLP Builds links with FF on European Affairs

2005-09-04T13:28:00.000+01:00

The Sunday Business Post reports that "several of the SDLP's members of the Northern assembly will attend the Fianna Fail ‘think-in' and will meet party MEPs Sean O Neachtain, Eoin Ryan, Liam Aylward and junior minister for Europe, Noel Treacy. The meeting will focus on closer cooperation between the two parties on matters relating to the European Union. The SDLP lost its only MEP when John Hume retired although, partly through Hume's influence, European peace funding continues to flow into the North. The presence of the SDLP delegation is evidence of growing links between the two part i e s . There have been suggestions in recent years about a merger between the two in the North and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said that he would like to see Fianna Fail having a 32-county presence."

A Portrait of Mary Lou McDonald

2005-09-04T13:06:00.000+01:00

Under the title Elusive Mary, the Sunday Business Post paints a portrait of SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald. There is very little about McDonald's views on the EU, but we learn some interesting facts about the SF MEP. For example, the article starts with the difficulty to access Mrs McDonald and notes that " the notion that one of the party's brightest stars is not in charge of her own media destiny is difficult to swallow." On the issue of speaking rights in the Dail, an issue that McDonald seems to be commited to continue to press, the journalist has some interesting comments: "Sinn Fein acknowledged last month that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was correct and that Adams was wrong on the issue of MPs and MEPs from the North having speaking rights in the Dail. Following remarks by Adams, Ahern said there had been “much exaggerated comment'‘ on the issue. What the government had in mind, he said, was much more modest than a right to speak in the Dail, such as the right to address Dail committees. Despite clearly overplaying its hand, Sinn Fein plans to continue to seek Dail speaking rights. McDonald said this right was being claimed for MPs from all political parties, not in an attempt to secure special rights for republican representatives. “Some commentators and some people who are hostile to this notion developed whether deliberately or otherwise a very overblown sense of what was being talked about, for their own political reasons.”"

Nicholson Opposes "Sunshine" Directive

2005-09-04T03:54:00.000+01:00

UUP MEP criticised Commission's draft directive on the protection of workers from potentially harmful optical radiation. Under its agenda of promoting more socially responsible behaviour by companies on workplace issues, the European Commission has presented a package of directives on the protection of workers from certain physical agents. While the directives on protection from noise, vibrations and electromagnetic fields have already been passed, a draft directive on the protection of workers from potentially harmful optical radiation, under consideration since 1992, will be voted by Parliament in second reading on 6 September 2005. However, Mr Nicholson reacted in these terms: "the directive raises the prospect of fully clothed lifeguards in open-air swimming pools. Builders and barmaids would be forced to cover up as their bosses make 'sunlight risk assessments' every day. Cricketers could even be forced to interrupt the game and pull on long sleeved shirts when the sun comes out - and example of good light stopped play?" According to the European Commission Representation in the UK: "new EU rules on optical radiation, due to be voted on by ministers and MEPS (including those from the UK) in September 2005, do not tell people what they can wear, or ban low-cut tops or, heaven forbid, dirndls. They instead require bosses to assess the risk of skin and retina damage for employees who work in the sun all day. This is a pressing concern, given that in the UK alone there 69,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year. How the risk to employees will be assessed, and what measures should be taken if there is deemed to be one, will be decided at local level – in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive. Of course, bar managers can always use their common sense by handing out sun cream."

Decision on Slurry Tanks Welcomed

2005-09-02T14:20:00.000+01:00

SF and DUP have welcomed the decision by Lord Rooker to allow the construction of additional storage capacity not requiring planning permission. DUP MEP Jim Allister said: "the relaxation of the planning rules will save money, time and reduce paper work associated with the construction of larger tanks. I hope that the change to planning will encourage many other farmers to use the scheme available". SF MP MLA Michelle Gildernew hoped that "given the current severe financial hardship that many farmers are facing, this decision should help farmers clarify whether they will commit scarce resources to waste management." Ulster Unionist Agriculture spokesperson Tom Elliott has also welcomed Environment Minister Jeff Rooker’s decision to double the maximum ground area for slurry storage as it takes "full and proper account of the realistic concerns of the farming community".

Bertie Ahern defends the CAP

2005-09-02T05:11:00.000+01:00

In a speech, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has yesterday defended the CAP: "I believe that calls for CAP reform are misplaced; they are based on a misunderstanding of the role of the CAP in European society and the world economy; they are based on a false premise about the relative cost of the CAP; they ignore WTO realities, and were they to be acted on they would involve breaches of existing agreements."

McDonald "copy-and-paste" Statement over Turkey's entry in the EU

2005-09-01T15:34:00.000+01:00

SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald reiterated her statement, today, that Turkey should become an EU Member State when Turkey will have "fulfilled the 'Copenhagen Criteria' on democracy and respect for human rights." The statement seems to be a "copy-and-paste" one from 6 October 2004.

Nicholson in Tesco Protest

2005-09-01T13:15:00.000+01:00

UUP MEP Jim Nicholson joined a protest against Tesco, Farming Life reports: "FFA, NBA, NIAPA and UFU members were out in force last Thursday night at Tesco's distribution centre on Boucher Road, Belfast to step up pressure over Tesco's continued importation of Brazilian beef. The protest was joined by NBA chief John Carson and Jim Nicholson MEP, who gave out information leaflets to Tesco lorry drivers leaving the centre with deliveries."

An end to immunity for cross-border drivers?

2005-08-31T15:50:00.000+01:00

Daily Ireland reports that "Irish transport minister Martin Cullen yesterday signalled an end to the split personality of Irish motorists when he revealed he had asked the European Commission to expedite a European Union-wide penalty system for our roads. One hopes the commission responds speedily to Mr Cullen’s entreaties but surely also needed on this small island is one set of speed limits and one set of penalties." The Irish Independent has also published figures which shows that "42,000 drivers have escaped penalty points even though they were caught without insurance, driving carelessly, speeding or for seat belt offences."

RoI "is getting away with flagrant breach of its responsibilities" - Allister

2005-08-30T16:30:00.000+01:00

A press release from DUP MEP Jim Allister reports that Mr Allister: "raised with the EU Commission at the Fisheries Committee in Brussels, the failure of the Republic of Ireland to honour its obligations under Council Regulation EC 1447/1999 to make full and proper returns about how it has dealt with infringements of fishing policy regulations." More Here

"The 1999 Regulation requires each state to report on the number of infringements detected and the penalties imposed. The latest figures show the UK top the list of fines, with an average penalty of 78,000 Euro per infringement, whereas most countries' average is in hundreds of euros, while the Republic of Ireland hasn't bothered to make returns as to any fines imposed.

Mr Allister said:
"The perception in my country, the UK, is that our government is assiduous, to the point of being fanatical, about imposing EU Regulations, while others happily ignore their obligations. These figures seem to bear out this perception. In the fishery sector we have to compete with others, yet we find that our nearest neighbour is getting away with flagrant breach of its responsibilities, fuelling a belief that while our fishermen play by the rules others have the advantage of flouting the rules. It is up to the Commission to demonstrate that it will not tolerate such a situation. I am, therefore, looking for appropriate infringement proceedings against the offending countries. All must be equal before EU law and all equally subject to it."
In response the Commission representative indicated infringement proceedings were indeed an option being examined and more information should emerge in due course."

Non access to Aircoach buses at the Europa station: anti competitive under EU legislation?

2005-08-30T10:25:00.000+01:00

The Belfast Telegraph reports that a row has erupted between Translink and Aircoach over the right to use the Europa bus station. The two companies are in competitions over the Belfast-Dublin Airport route: "at present Aircoach, which launched its service last summer, operates from outside Jury's Inn at Fisherwick Place, but its buses are often hampered by traffic congestion. Marc Reddy, the Aircoach managing director, said they had first asked for access to Europa Buscentre in March, but that their "many requests" had not met with a favourable response. "We believe this could be viewed as anti-competitive under EU legislation, particularly as other bus and coach operators are allowed into this facility. It is a disappointing position, particularly that the passenger is suffering most in having to wait on the street, and we hope that it will be resolved. We believe in encouraging the use of public transport, rather than making obstacles for customers."

Irish Government Plans to Join EU Battle Group

2005-08-29T17:15:00.000+01:00

Ian Kehoe from the Sunday Business Post reports that: "After months of vacillating, the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea, expects to bring proposals for Irish involvement in so-called EU battle groups to the cabinet within the next five weeks. If passed, the move could see Irish troops participating in an EU rapid reaction force within two years. Irish participation in the battle groups, which involve soldiers from a number of countries working together as a cohesive military unit, have been shrouded in controversy from the beginning. Critics have argued that it runs contrary to Ireland's traditional policy of neutrality. Even the government has admitted that certain legal obstacles will have to be overcome." Kehoe also quotes an Irish defence official who said in relation to the forthcoming difficulties to convince the Irish that Ireland will remain a neutral state: “make no bones about it - that will be our biggest difficulty... there is an emotional attachment to neutrality that if almost hard to comprehend.”

"EU Constitutional Treaty on track for debate" - Noel Treacy

2005-08-29T16:52:00.000+01:00

As spotted by United Irelander, Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affair has recently stated that: "The holidays are drawing to a close. In other circumstances we might now be locked in a heated debate on a referendum to determine whether Ireland should ratify the European Constitution, but that is not to be this year. One could be tempted to draw relief at that, frankly I am very disappointed. Following the rejection of the Constitution in France and the Netherlands, the European Council paused the ratification process in order to give time for reflection, and is set to revisit it during the Austrian Presidency : we welcomed that decision. The Government remains committed to the Constitution and to using this year to engage the public on the issue of Europe...It is salutary that the product of an exercise involving so much effort and care has been rejected in two referendums. That has led to calls for a debate on the future of Europe, but we should not forget that the process leading to the Constitution itself began with similar calls, reflected in the declarations of Nice and Laeken. Nor should we forget that Spain and Luxembourg approved the Constitution by referendum as have the Parliaments of eleven further member states. The point of this is that we should not deceive ourselves about the likely outcomes of launching new processes. Let's focus on what we might achieve, starting with improving the basis for discussion and debate."

SF MEP on Sectarian Violence

2005-08-29T16:35:00.000+01:00

Speaking from Ballymena and commenting on the upsurge of sectarian violence, SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald said last Wednesday: "it is very clear from my meetings today that there is an orchestrated effort being made to drive Catholics and nationalists out of certain areas in North Antrim. This is completely unacceptable. It is also clear that local nationalists feel that a climate has been created by the actions of local unionist politicians which has directly fed into the environment in which this campaign has flourished." These comments were criticized by the UUP East Belfast MLA Alderman Michael Copeland: "It is clear from Ms McDonald's comments that she completely oblivious to the reality on the ground in these areas."

CAP Watch

2005-08-29T16:21:00.000+01:00

The Financial Times reports that the CAP reform will be closely scrutinized in Northern Ireland: "Farming is vital to its economy, accounting for 6-8 per cent of the economic activity compared with about 1 per cent for England and Wales. In spite of the changes in land use and the growing mechanisation of most processes, the sector is still a big employer, with 15,000 full- time farmers or 80,000 when those in the food processing industries are included." In the meantime, DUP MEP Jim Allister complains on the EU Commission plan to restrict the fishing of wild eels which, he argues, would hardly hist fishermen from Lough Neagh and the River Bann. More here

Here is the full communique from Jim Allister:

Brussels, having brought ruination to much of our sea fishing industry in Northern Ireland, is now turning its attention to the eel fishing industry, in which Northern Ireland occupies a key niche position.

The Commission has proposals to introduce a management plan for eels involving a stock recovery scheme which could involve severe restrictions on eel fishing rights. The Commission is considering a fishing ban in certain areas, minimum landing sizes and closed seasons. The proposals were debated today in the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament. I took the opportunity to stress the importance of our well-managed eel fishery based on Lough Neagh, both to the economy of that part of Northern Ireland (with 200 livelihoods involved) and to Europe as a whole to whom we export much of our catch.

Lough Neagh and the Lower River Bann supports the largest remaining commercial wild eel fishery in Europe. It produces 25% of the total recorded EU wild catch. I stressed the dangers to our self-regulated industry of a typical "one size fits all" Brussels approach, by pointing out that under the management of the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Cooperative Society there are already in place adequate conservation measures, including enforced daily quotas for each boat, a licensing system and escape routes at Kilrea and Toome weirs whereby at least 40% of the migrating mature silver eels escape out to sea for spawning. Thus, I argued to the Committee that, whatever the needs elsewhere for restriction, within Northern Ireland there is no justification for such draconian measures. Instead, the Commission should be focusing upon banning the sale of elvers out of Europe to the Far East as thereby they are lost forever to the European industry and, secondly, restrictions should be focused upon the eel farm sector where there is no escape of large eels, so that they can spawn and replenish the natural stock.

Notes to editors:

1. Eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea in the Western Central Atlantic Ocean. The larvae drift and swim into river mouths all over Europe and Northern Africa, from where they migrate upstream to spend most of their lives. Eventually the oldest eels will migrate downstream and across the Atlantic when they will spawn once and die.

2. The smallest eels (glass eels and elvers) are fished for stocking and on-growing in aquaculture, whilst older eels (brown eels and silver eels) are fished directly for food. Most are exported to Europe as part of a £5 million industry.

3. Lough Neagh and the Lower River Bann support the largest remaining wild eel fishery in Europe. The system produces 25% of the total recorded EU wild catch.

4. Fishing rights to all eel life stages are owned by the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Cooperative Society (LNFCS). The fishery is well managed and restricts annual catch of brown eels to 400-500 T and the catch of silver eels to 100-150 T. The escape of silver eels for spawning is at least equivalent to the catch because of the maintenance of a generous gap at the weirs where fishing is prohibited and thereby escape for spawning is guaranteed.

5. The Lough Neagh operation supports up to 150 boats each with a crew of two men and thus some 300 families may derive and depend on income from the fishery.

6. As natural decline in the recruitment of elvers to the Lough has been observed, the LNFCS has purchased 73 million glass eels for stocking purposes over the last 20 years and, at the same time, has regulated its industry through licensing and quota imposition.

UUP wants quotas for Non-UK students

2005-08-25T15:37:00.000+01:00

UUP East Antrim Assembly Member Ken Robinson MLA is urging Universities to impose quotas on non-UK students: "Reports suggest that top Universities are turning away up to 16 candidates for every place available on popular courses. This scramble for places, which will intensify now that the A-level results have been announced, follows a rush by prospective students to avoid paying top-up fees of up to £3,000 a year from next September. Nationally, applications have risen by 8.2 per cent but in some universities this figure has been as high as 29 per cent...It would be interesting to establish the ratio of UK students being educated in EU Universities to the number of EU students being educated in UK Universities. I believe this may well show that there is little reciprocation in European Universities compared to the number of EU students we educate I the UK. That is mainly because people want to be educated in the UK in English with UK degrees since English is one of the world’s leading languages and certainly he world’s number one business language...The time has surely come for some sort of Quota or more balanced system to be devised for EU and non-EU students at UK Universities. There is a lot of talk about how much Universities raise from non-public sources. However, the vast bulk of their income still comes from the taxpayer and the UK taxpayer wants our school leavers given priority in the quest for University places."

Allister is Planning to Challenge the Programme "Active European Citizenship"

2005-08-25T10:48:00.000+01:00

DUP MEP Jim Allister is planning to question the programme "Promotion of Active European Citizenship" at the European Parliament: "The European Commission's unending quest to ever expand Brussels' control and power, with no regard to cost or need, is well illustrated by a current proposal to vastly expand a programme going under the title, "promoting active European citizenship." This programme was launched for 3 years at the start of 2004. In consequence of misgivings, not least by the UK, the Commission gave an undertaking that an external evaluation of the worth of the programme would be produced if there was a proposal to extend it beyond 2006. Now just such a proposal has been made, but the assurance of an external evaluation has been breached. Brussels now wants to greatly expand the programme and extend it to 2013. Its overtly political purpose, which dovetails with the attempts to foist an EU Constitution upon us, is clear from its two key objectives of forming an ever closer Europe and forging a European identity. In order to bring some accountability to the Commission's actions, I have tabled the Questions below in the European Parliament for answer by the Commission.I also welcome the fact that the European Scrutiny Committee of the House of Commons has declared itself unhappy with these developments and has called for answers from the Government."

More here

"Subject: Promotion of active European citizenship

In connection with the proposal to enhance and extend the current European citizenship programme beyond its initial expiry date of 31 December 2006, is it correct that the Commission gave an assurance to the UK Government that an external evaluation, including value for money, would be produced alongside any proposal to renew the programme after 2006? If so, has that evaluation been produced and if not, why not? How can the Commission justify proposing a greatly expanded programme without producing an evaluation of the existing one and without evidence concerning the effectiveness of the expenditure proposed?"

Subject: Legal basis for proposed expansion of active European citizenship

In light of the limitation of Article 308 of the EC Treaty to measures related to Âthe operation of the common market, what legal basis is relied upon to justify the current proposal to enhance and extend the current European citizenship programme beyond its initial expiry date of 31 December 2006?"

SF MEP Urges the DUP to act over Sectarian Violence

2005-08-25T10:40:00.000+01:00

After visiting Ahoghill, Ballymena, Rasharkin and the Short Strand, SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald said: "It is also clear that local nationalists feel that a climate has been created by the actions of local unionist politicians which has directly fed into the environment in which this campaign has flourished. For decades Catholics and nationalists in areas like North Antrim have been discriminated against at every level. It is now clear that nationalists simply won't stand for this any longer and the DUP in particular in this area need to wake up to that reality. The DUP sit on the various Forums and Commissions with the leaderships of the UDA and UVF. From the Third Force to Ulster Resistance the DUP have been directly linked to violent unionism. No nationalist believes that the DUP do not have influence with unionist paramilitaries and no nationalist believes that they cannot put pressure on to have this campaign ended if that is what they actually want. It would also serve those politicians in the 26 counties well if they travelled here to North Antrim or to the Short Strand to see exactly where the threat to the peace process comes from. It does not come from the Colombia Three returning home, or any republican activity as they would have people believe. It comes from the unionist paramilitaries and the failure of the unionist parties to tackle this issue head on."

Nicholson Welcomes lift on UK Beef Export Ban

2005-08-24T12:49:00.000+01:00

In a statement Mr Nicholson said, “This has been a long road with many false dawns but now it would appear to be more positive. We can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel and we can look forward to the end of the OTMS scheme which has been in existence since BSE hit the UK, although it may have to remain in a limited form to cull animals born before 1996 which can never enter the food chain. The current hope is this can begin in November but we should not be surprised if there is a slight delay on this date from past experience. The lifting of the ban, while welcome, should not lead to any euphoria on the part of farmers. It will be a help but I believe the road back will be long and hard as others now have the markets we once held. At least we can now hope to put this most unpleasant and difficult time behind us.”

NI Parties Attempt to Seduce EU Migrant Workers

2005-08-24T12:24:00.000+01:00

The Newsletter reports that SF is trying to attract votes from migrant workers in the Newry area. "I passed a house recently where about 50 were having a party and, as they are mostly Catholic, they are more sympathetic to the nationalist outlook" said Sinn Fein MLA for Newry and Armagh, Davy Hyland. It is estimated that there are 20.000 migrant workers in Northern Ireland. According to Patrick Yu, of the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities, migrant workers from EU eastern European accession countries can only vote if they can secure work contracts of 12 months or longer, which employers are not likely to give at present. However, the Newsletter does not say which elections Mr Yu is refering to. Under the current regulations, any EU citizens residing in Northern Ireland is allowed to vote for local councils votes and MEP elections. This reminds me of UUP Michael McGimpsey on the multicultural aspect of NI society (11/07/05): "Northern Ireland is a multi-cultural society. That is a fact. We may not always perceive ourselves to be so, although the evidence is all around us if we care to look. We may not be a great metropolis in the manner of London or New York, but we are on a much smaller scale a society of varying and rich cultures. "

Allister accuses the NIO to have released Sean Kelly without consulting the PSNI

2005-08-16T08:55:00.000+01:00

DUP MEP Jim Allister made this statement in relation to the release of Sean Kelly: "In a response to my representations to the Secretary of State over his decision to release Sean Kelly, Lord Rooker (replying on Hain’s behalf as the SOS is on holiday) has confirmed that Kelly was released without consulting the PSNI or taking their advice. Considering that Kelly was detained because he was believed to be “a danger to others if he were at liberty”, I am astounded that a decision was reached on a matter so entwined with the public’s safety without any consultation with the police. To me this confirms the brazenly political nature of Hain’s decision and the fact that the demand of the IRA Army Council meant more to him than any possible police view. Clearly, Kelly could not have been detained without consultation with the police, but he was granted political release without even the façade of seeking a police view. This is a Government clearly prepared to play fast and loose with public safety all in the interests of serving a greater political gameplan. This is the politics of deals, not honour."

Allister Attacks 50:50 recruitment of PSNI

2005-08-12T11:07:00.000+01:00

DUP MEP Jim Allister released this statement: “50:50 recruitment to the PSNI, with its inherent discrimination against Protestant applicants, is in conflict with the basic tenets of Council Directive 2000/78/EC, which lays down guarantees of equal treatment in employment and occupation. In order to legitimise 50:50 recruitment the UK had to secure the insertion of "particular provisions" into the Directive in October 2000, which permitted a relevant derogation. (Chpt III Art 15(1) and Recital 34 refer.)Under the Directive Member States are required to report to the Commission by 2 December 2005 on the measures they have taken to implement the Directive. The Commission shall then draw up a report on the steps taken by Member States to secure equal treatment in employment. In this exercise it has been confirmed to me in a written answer (E-1927/04), that the Commission will review the "particular provisions" of Article 15. This pending review, I believe, should be used as a focus of a renewed campaign to end the inequity of 50:50 recruitment. Accordingly, I urge all who are opposed to the discrimination explicit in 50:50 recruitment to make vigorous representations both to HMG in terms of its report to Brussels and the Commission in regard to its own review and report. Certainly, as a MEP I will be doing so and I will be happy to liase with all those interested in ending this discrimination, with a view to presenting cogent and co-ordinated representations.”

"Ahern must come clean over Speaking Rights" - Nicholson

2005-08-09T17:13:00.000+01:00

In a statement the UUP MEP Jim Nicholson said, "The justifiable and intense anger within the Unionist community to the proposed plan to grant speaking rights to MPs and MEPs from Northern Ireland has sparked a huge debate in the Republic with the vast majority of TD’s, according to the Sunday Independent survey, against the idea. The Irish Prime Minister must come clean and clarify what is his Government’s position on this issue because conflicting reports have appeared, in recent days, which question who really is in charge in the Republic of Ireland." More here "On the one hand the Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams believes he has a commitment from Bertie Ahern that steps will taken to grant speaking rights and on the other the Taioseach denies this stating that speaking rights will not be granted but rather that the Dail will ‘facilitate committee discussions with MPs and MEPs from Northern Ireland on matters relating to Northern Ireland and the Belfast Agreement. This and recent developments regarding the Colombia three raise serious question over who is really in charge in the Irish Republic. Is Bertie really in the driving seat or are Adams and McGuinness the back seat drivers? Whatever proposal emerges from this sordid side deal my party and my community will remain resolutely opposed to anything that undermines the constitutional position of Northern Ireland and drives a horse and cart through the principle of consent.”

Northern Irish Farmers gets compensation Package for 2002 Bad Weather

2005-08-09T17:00:00.000+01:00

The Departement of Agriculture and Regional Development is going to distribute £4.6 millions to Northern Irish Farmers for the "losses to production and increased costs during the bad weather in 2002" said Agriculture Minister, Jeff Rooker. "It has been a very challenging process to get to this point. To satisfy demanding State Aids Rules, we have had to demonstrate and quantify to the European Commission in great detail the extent to which losses actually occurred. This required strong supporting statistical evidence and it was only where this was available that a convincing case could be made. I am keen that administration of this scheme should be as simple as possible. For the most part, payments will be linked to 2002 Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) support schemes and milk quota records." The news of this package has been welcomed by DUP MEP Jim Allister: "I welcome the announcement from Lord Rooker that there will be partial compensation which at long last is going to be paid out to farmers. Although coming three years after the proposal was made, it still will be very welcome for the farming community."

"Columbia Three": Allister Calls on the EU to Pressurise Dublin

2005-08-08T09:16:00.000+01:00

A Press Release from DUP MEP Jim Allister said: "Since the EU boldly proclaims its commitment to the international fight against terrorism, I have today taken steps to raise the uninhibited return of the Columbia 3 to Dublin with both the Council of Ministers and the Commission. I have tabled the following Oral Question for the parliamentary sessions in September: Following the unimpeded return of convicted terrorist fugatives, Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley, to the Republic of Ireland from Columbia, and given the EU's declared commitment to support the fight against international terrorism, what steps has the Council of Ministers/Commission taken to ensure that the Irish government does not provide sanctuary for these international terrorists and is the Council/Commission satisfied that Europol did everything possible to thwart their return? I have also circulated every MEP with a comment urging maximum pressure on Dublin to live up to its international obligations. I fully intend to use the forum and facilities of the European Parliament to keep the focus on this issue, believing that it is intolerable for any civilised government to harbour terrorists. Ahern and his seemingly robust Justice Minister must now be put to the test.”

New UUP Agricultural Spokesman Attacks Tony Blair on UK Rebate

2005-08-06T07:47:00.000+01:00

The new UUP agricultural spokesman, Tom Elliott Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, recently said: "The CAP budget, while far from equitable, does provide the main source of income for most farmers in Northern Ireland. If Tony Blair persists on linking the CAP budget to the UK rebate in negotiations it could spell disaster for millions of British farmers."

Gliding Club gets £40.000 of EU Money

2005-08-05T14:58:00.000+01:00

The Belfast Telegraph reports that "the renowned Ulster Gliding Club at Magilligan scooped £40,000 in EU money because of its groundbreaking work in sustainable tourism and bridge building between communities over the last 75 years."

Allister asks consumers to buy NI Beef

2005-08-05T14:55:00.000+01:00

DUP MEP Jim Allister, yesterday, urged NI consumers to buy Northern Irish beef: “The majority of the major supermarkets are selling South American beef alongside beef produced on Northern Ireland farms. As a result of the supermarkets bringing in this product, the price paid to farmers for cattle within Northern Ireland has fallen by over 12% over the last number of months. Many of the major multiples are putting short term profits over the long term sustainability for the largest industry within Northern Ireland. Farmers within Northern Ireland cannot afford to take the price they are currently receiving for beef which they are currently selling. Product coming from Northern Ireland is produced to high Quality Assurance standards with strict environmental and animal welfare standards. This is compared to beef coming from South America that is likely to be reared on farms with little or no regard to either the environment or animal welfare. When consumers are purchasing products in the supermarket they should take time and consider what they are buying. By purchasing products from Northern Ireland, they are not only supporting their local industry, but getting a superior product and looking after the environment.”

"We will give Reg Empey seven days to admit his part" - Robinson

2005-08-04T04:32:00.000+01:00

The row between the UUP and the DUP about the existence of an agreement over the right of Northern Irish MPs and MEPs to speak in the Irish Dail has escallated yesterday with DUP Peter Robinson accusing Reg Empey, the UUP leader, of hypocracy: "It is especially hypocritical of Reg Empey to try to pass the buck on the plan to allow Northern Ireland MPs and MEPs to debate in a committee of the Irish parliament given the role he and his party had in that plan. Mr Empey claims that the DUP was asleep at the wheel when this matter came forward. To enable the unionist community to determine who had nodded off, the only fact that needs to be determined is whose hands were on the wheel when this issue was negotiated. We will give Reg Empey seven days to admit his part in it or we will publish the evidence." More here
"We challenge Reg Empey to deny that the proposal he now condemns arose directly from discussions in April of 1998 of which he was a part as a senior UUP negotiator. The recommendation from the Dail Committee on the Constitution is now over two years old and was made while he and David Trimble were leading negotiations with Sinn Fein. Interestingly, when the proposal was first publicised on the BBC News website on 21st March 2002, Reg Empey – who now claims this is an embryonic united Ireland – did not say one word about it. Indeed not one member of the UUP uttered a word. There was not a single complaint from the UUP about the issue. There was no complaint because the UUP was a party to the proposal. Now the UUP are attempting to blame the DUP for the crime they committed. Furthermore, a letter to Dr Paisley dated the 7th December 2004 from the Prime Minister Tony Blair states clearly that “I understand that they [the proposals] originated before any negotiations with the DUP began. They have formed no part of the discussions in which you and your party have participated”.

"I would Welcome the opportunity to Debate with Nicholson and Allister" - Bairbre de Brun

2005-08-03T17:10:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that SF MEP Bairbre de Brun said: "Sinn Féin would welcome moves by the Irish Government to secure the rights of Six County political representatives to participate in the Dáil. Sinn Féin has consistently raised the question of participation of northern representatives to the Dáil and we would welcome any move by the Irish government to give effect to these commitments. I would welcome the opportunity to debate with both Jim Nicholson MEP and Jim Allister MEP on local, national and international issues in the Dáil. Partition has failed both the nationalist and unionist communities. I would call upon unionists political representatives to think outside the box and embrace the dynamics of all-Ireland politics. I look forward to the day when I can address other political representatives from north and south in the Dáil."

Nicholson rules out participation in the Irish Dail

2005-08-03T13:39:00.000+01:00

A communique from the UUP reports that "MEP Jim Nicholson has taken the Irish Government to task over their decision to take steps in September to grant speaking rights in the Irish Parliament to MEPs and MPs from Northern Ireland. Mr Nicholson has pledged to oppose the move and categorically ruled out ever setting foot in the Irish Parliament to participate in Dail debates or committees. In a statement Mr Nicholson said, The decision is deplorable and undermines the constitutional position of Northern Ireland. More here It drives a horse and cart through the principle of consent and must be opposed by Unionists throughout the province. The Unionist community will not tolerate such an aggressive assault on our sovereignty by a jurisdiction, which has been so hostile in the past. The Irish Government, like our own, have capitulated to Sinn Fein's insatiable demands and have undermined any future relationship Unionists may have with Dublin. They have taken Unionist attempts to forge a new relationship with the Republic, based on Northern Ireland's position as an integral part of the UK, and thrown them back in our face. This is not the time for the DUP to engage in political point scoring but for Unionists to unite in opposition to this plan. The DUP's childish attempts to pass the buck and save face are most unhelpful. As the lead party within Unionism, it is a shame they couldn't do more to stop this. Mr Nicholson concluded, Make no mistake, as my Party Leader said at the weekend, we will not hesitate in introducing sanctions should speaking rights be granted in the Autumn."

Government reaction to IRA statement is an act of Outstanding Stupidity - Jim Nicholson

2005-08-02T21:32:00.000+01:00

A press release from the UUP tells that UUP MEP said that “the Government’s reaction to the IRA statement can only be described as an act of outstanding stupidity. To act on IRA words alone without any hint of imminent action is stupid given that this terrorist organisation has never delivered on past promises. The Unionist community have been left stunned by a series of sweeping security changes, which have taken place before the ink is even dry on the IRA statement. The Government’s reaction has come without any hint of remorse from Republicans for their murderous deeds or commitment from them to dismantle their vast criminal empire. No wonder the people of Northern Ireland feel betrayed. Sadly, I fear that this will not be the Government’s last act of outstanding stupidity and that more acts of appeasement are planned to placate Republican’s insatiable demands.”

Controversies over the Attendance of Irish MEPs

2005-08-02T21:19:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that the Irish MEPs have the "sixth worst attendance" in the Strasbourg Parliament. However, the story does not tell the rate of Irish MEPs at the Brussels Parliament. Strangely enough, the website europarliament.net, which is the unofficial watchdog of the MEPs' records, is inaccessible.

Jim Allister rejects the offer to "speak" at the Dail

2005-08-02T21:06:00.000+01:00

Reacting to the move which would allow some Northern Irish MPs and MEPs to have a right to speak at the Irish Dail, Jim Allister DUP MEP said: "I am elected to one foreign parliament only, and I will fulfill my mandate there and no where else. Thus I have no intention of participating in the Dail in order to promote republicanism's pretence that an all-Ireland parliament exists. If Sein Fein MPs cared for their electorate, then they'd represent them in Westminster to which they are elected. Judging Sinn Fein MEPs by their record in Strasbourg and Brussels they are clearly struggling to fulfill their mandate there, never mind pursuing phoney involvement in the Dail." It has also been reported that the DUP blamed the UUP over this issue: "the party's deputy leader Peter Robinson said he had evidence that the UUP were aware of the concession during negotiations. Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, said he had firm commitments from the Taoiseach that Northern politicians would be able to speak in the Dáil."

EU PEACE funding could be lost?

2005-08-02T08:16:00.000+01:00

According to the BBC "the government has been warned millions of pounds in EU funding is in jeopardy because of a legal loophole. The local government auditor has told councils they do not appear to have the power to set up limited companies. This includes Local Strategic Partnerships, which distribute EU peace funding in Northern Ireland. The president of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Francie Molloy, said the government must pass new legislation. He said in the meantime it must provide councils with a cover letter to ensure their officials and local representatives are not left liable for any financial decisions taken. He expressed concerns that the LSPs, set up to distribute EU funding, could be closed down if the government fails to act. "My underestanding is that they cannot operate without the council being one of the major partners within that," he said. "So the European Union money is in danger here of not being distributed - that could run in to millions of pounds that would be lost, being sent back to Europe because it could not be spent." NILGA met with Lord Rooker, the direct rule minister for councils, last week to discuss the situation. "

Northern Irish MEPs in an "All Ireland Parliament?"

2005-08-01T15:51:00.000+01:00

18 MPs and three MEPs from Northern Ireland would be given speaking rights as well as a role in committees in the Irish Dail reports UTV . The story tells that SF would like to see five MPs, including Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, as well as MEP Bairbre de Brun to participate in Dail's debates. However the UUP leader Sir Reg Empey, yesterday, is said to have "reacted furiously to the proposal which, he claimed, was another concession to Sinn Fein in the wake of the IRA's announcement that it is abandoning its armed campaign." ***UPDATE*** According to my sources, UUP MEP Jim Nicholson refuses to participate.

President of the European Parliament Welcomes IRA Statement

2005-07-29T11:32:00.000+01:00

Josep Borrell, President of the European Parliament, welcomed the "important step forward in the long-lasting peace process in Northern Ireland." Following the statement issued by the IRA announcing their decision to end its armed campaign, the European Parliament President said "it is a capital step in fulfilling the Good Friday Agreement and I am pleased that IRA finally decided to end its armed campaign. At the time where the countries of the European Union join their efforts to fight together terrorism which strikes their own land, it is a capital decision. No sustainable solution to conflicts can be found with the use of violence."

Lord Laird Accuses Cross-Border Bodies of Religious Bias

2005-07-29T04:41:00.000+01:00

The Newsletter reports that Lord Laird has referred the SEUPB to the Equality Commission. Lord Laird accused the agency to be bias against Protestants. "Since their creation in 1999, the cross-border bodies have carried out most of their work in a one-sided fashion" claimed Laird. Asking questions about the denomination of staff members of the SEUPB to the Government, Lord Laird learned that on the 32 staff members, six were Protestants. "This sort of employment imbalance is not going to instil confidence in the unionist community" remarked Lord Laird. In a previous occasion, the Ulster Unionist politician asked about the denomination of the agency "InterTradeIreland" and learned that "at 1 June 2005, InterTradeIreland employed 38 permanent staff. The religious make-up of these staff is 81.5 per cent. Catholic and 18.5 per cent Protestant."

Background on Contreversies over EU PEACE Fundings

2005-07-28T17:39:00.000+01:00

DUP MEP Jim Allister recently attacked the cross-border agency ADM/CPA in charge of the allocation of the measures 5.3 and 5.4 of the PEACE II extension. Asking for the denominations of staff members working within this agency Jim Allister was outraged to discover that ADM/CPA was under the ROI law and therefore did not require to comply with the Northern Irish Freedom and Information Act: "two important issues emerge" said Mr Allister: "first, this supposed cross-border consortium is in effect a Republic of Ireland company only with staff employed by its Republic of Ireland parent company. Second, though masquerading as a cross-border entity, this ROI company has exclusive control of the distribution of millions of euros of EU funding under Measures 5.3 and 5.4, which exist for the promotion of developing cross border understanding and economic advancement, including training. Thus the supposed cross-border consortium is in effect a mere fiction, designed to lend cover and credibility to cross-border Measures, when in truth it is controlled by a ROI company. Little wonder unionism continues to lack confidence in much of the administration of the PEACE funding." However, Pat Colgan, Chief Executive, SEUPB recently said “since assuming management of the PEACE Programme in 1999 SEUPB has consistently promoted equal access to the Programme from all communities. (A recent) research contains a number of positive findings, indicating the importance of the Programme to both the Protestant and Catholic communities. Overall it would appear that the PEACE II Programme has received greater recognition and participation from the Protestant community, when compared with PEACE I." Reacting to Jim Allister's statement, SF MEP Bairbre de Brun said that Mr Allister "should not make mischief over EU PEACE funding" (see next post).

Bairbre de Brun attacks Jim Allister over PEACE Funding Contreversies

2005-07-27T22:04:00.000+01:00

A Press release from SF reports that: "Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that Jim Allister MEP should not make mischief over EU PEACE funding. Ms de Brún made her comments after it emerged that Mr Allister had addressed a letter to 26 Local Strategy Partnerships (LSPs) across the North, requesting the disclosure of information relating to the religious breakdown of staff members although they employ too few staff to be required to do so. Mr Allister has also launched an attack on the cross-border consortium ADM/CPA (Area Development Management/Combat Poverty Agency). Speaking today Ms de Brún said: "In recent times Jim Allister has made a number of unfounded allegations about the distribution of funding under the EU PEACE programme and has clearly been trawling for information with the aim of making further mischief. We are aware that he has written to all the LSPs in the North asking for a breakdown in the religious make-up of their workforce even though he knows that they employ so few people that they are not required to document, much less to divulge such information. In at least one case the response would have meant telling the DUP the religious persuasion of their one employee. Furthermore the funding measure referred to in Mr Allister's letter was not one for which LSPs are even responsible."

About EU shelved

2005-06-23T16:35:00.000+01:00

I am about to leave Belfast soon and therefore the updates on "About EU" will be more sporadic. The blog will be updated properly again around the end of July when I'll be back in Europe. Many thanks for the great support that I have received and I wish you all an excellent month of July.

Bairbre de Brun First Speech in Irish at the EP

2005-06-23T16:12:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that "Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún became the first person to address the European Parliament in Irish since the European Council agreed to give it the status of official working language of the EU. Ms de Brún spoke in Brussels yesterday evening. Commenting today Ms de Brún said: "I am very proud to be the first MEP to address the European Parliament in Irish since agreement on official working language status for the language. All of this has been made possible through the hard work of those who lobbied hard for this." However, Jim Nicholson, UUP MEP declared that: "the push to have Irish upgraded was a purely political campaign. It will only serve to overburden a linguistic regime, which is already struggling to cope with 20 official languages. Given that the estimated initial cost to the taxpayer is EUR3.5 million a year, I feel it is inappropriate for our Government to have backed the measure in Council." Read the two press release here

Here is the SF Communique

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún became the first person to address the European Parliament in Irish since the European Council agreed to give it the status of official working language of the EU. Ms de Brún spoke in Brussels yesterday evening.

Commenting today Ms de Brún said:

"I am very proud to be the first MEP to address the European Parliament in Irish since agreement on official working language status for the language. All of this has been made possible through the hard work of those who lobbied hard for this.

"I extend congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all involved in the STÁDAS campaign for achieving the status of official working language of the European Union for the Irish language.

"This international recognition will have a very great influence not only on the language but on those of us who speak the language and who wish to be on an equal footing with our fellow Europeans. I ask the President of the Parliament to convey to the Council our satisfaction in this matter and would ask also that everything possible be done to meet the needs that arise from this new status between now and 1 January 2007 to ensure that the appropriate services can be provided in Irish." ENDS

Full text of Speech:

Mar Gael agus mar gaeilgeoir failtím roimh chinneadh an Aontais Eorpaigh go dtabharfaí stádas oifigiúil agus oibre don Ghaeilge san Aontas Eorpach. Cuirfidh an t-aitheantas sin chan amháin le stádas na teanga ach beidh tionchar an-mhór ag aitheantas idirnáisiúnta ar stádas lucht labhartha na Gaeilge chomh maith.

Molaim go hard gach éinne atá bainte leis an fheachtas STÁDAS agus na heagraíochta ar fad atá ag obair ar son cothromaíochta do phobal na Gaeilge i gcomhar lenár gcomh Eorpaigh.

Iarraim ar Uachtarán na Pairliminte ár sásamh a chur in iúil don Chomhairle. Iarraim air chomh maith cinntiú go ndéanfaí gach ní is féidir le go mbeidh Pairlimint na hEorpa agus na hinistiúidí eorpacha eile in ann freastal ar na riachtanais a bhaineann leis an stádas nua idir seo agus Mí Eanáir 2007 agus go mbeifear in ann na seirbhísí cuí a sholáthar i nGaeilge.

As an Irish speaker I welcome the decision to accord the status of official working language of the European Union to the Irish language. This international recognition will have a very great influence not only on the language but on those of us who speak the language and who wish to be on an equal footing with our fellow Europeans.

I extend congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all involved in the STÁDAS campaign to achieve this status of official working language of the European Union for the Irish language.

I ask the President of the Parliament to convey to the Council our satisfaction in this matter and would ask also that everything possible be done to meet the needs that arise from this new status between now and 1 January 2007 to ensure that the appropriate services can be provided in Irish.

**************************

PUSH TO HAVE IRISH LANGUAGE UPGRADED WAS A PURELY POLITICAL CAMPAIGN -
NICHOLSON

Speaking from Brussels as Sinn Fein MEP, Barbara De Brun became the
first MEP to address the European Parliament in Irish since it became an
official language of the EU, UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has strongly
criticised the British Government's backing for the upgrade to official
language status in the European Union.

In a statement Mr Nicholson said,

"The push to have Irish upgraded was a purely political campaign. It
will only serve to overburden a linguistic regime, which is already
struggling to cope with 20 official languages. Given that the estimated
initial cost to the taxpayer is EUR3.5 million a year, I feel it is
inappropriate for our Government to have backed the measure in Council.

"Given that the UK Government's endorsement of the upgrade comes only
days after the Commission approved £12 million in state aid i.e. British
taxpayer aid to the Irish Language Broadcast fund in Northern Ireland,
we have got to question the Government's priorities in investing moral
and financial support in the promotion of the Irish language at a time
when budget constraints are being felt in essential public sector areas
such as health and education." Ends

Issued by UUP Press Office -

Jim Allister hits out over DARD

2005-06-23T15:30:00.000+01:00

The Belfast Telegraph reports that MEP DUP Jim Allister reacted negatively to the disclosure of CAP aids of Northern Irish Farmers on a DARD website: "European Union farm subsidy payments should not have been published on the Internet, MEP Jim Allister has said. "Individual CAP subsidies paid to farmers should not have been published on the Department of Agriculture website," he said. "I believe this move by DARD is an infringement of farmers' privacy within Northern Ireland. "No other sector within the Northern Ireland economy has details regarding the amount of grant aid that they receive published on a website. "If the DHSS published the amount of money individual people were getting from benefits I have no doubt that there would be a public outcry. "There are no more legitimate or stronger reasons for publishing the payments made by DARD to individuals compared to other Departments such as the DHSS." Widespread criticism within the local farming community has followed Agriculture Minister Lord Rooker's decision to release details of the subsidies - £417m - that individual farmers in Northern Ireland have received under the Common Agricultural Policy in the past two years."

EU supports the International Fund for Ireland

2005-06-23T14:53:00.000+01:00

The Irish Sun reports that "an international fund supported by the EU, US and Canada is set to embark on a new five-year campaign to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland, it emerged today. The International Fund for Ireland has supported more than 5,000 projects in Northern Ireland and in the border counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth since its foundation by the British and Irish governments almost 20 years ago...The EU is set to contribute €15m each year in 2005 and 2006."

Trade Union Leader Attacks Blair in Belfast Meeting

2005-06-23T13:59:00.000+01:00

John Monks, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, was speaking yesterday at the Waterfront in Belfast for the ICTU Congree, during his speech, he strongly attacked Tony Blair by saying: "it was more opportunism than principle which motivated the Blair Government at the summit - and in consequence, they inflicted further damage on the European project. New Labour sermons about the need for change and reform will neither get nor deserve a hearing while the UK plays to its own eurosceptic gallery." More here:

Introduction by John Monks, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation
Irish Congress of Trade Unions

To be checked against delivery

"President, delegates, fellow guests, Brendan, it is a real pleasure to be meeting in your home city - a city that has seen so much conflict, so much suffering yet also exhibits spirit and vitality, and invariably displays optimism about its future.

After recent events - the French and Dutch referendums and last week’s summit, working in the European Union today feels a bit like that. There is this cocktail of emotions, this mixture of hope tinged with worry and concern about the future. That’s what I want to address today. My speech will remind delegates of what the EU means to the working people of Ireland, the UK and elsewhere, and also make the case for a fight to establish the EU anew in the affections and loyalties of people in Europe and beyond.

This Congress has a long and honourable record in promoting peace in Ireland, and well beyond Ireland across the world. The European Union has been the world’s biggest and most successful peace process - healing the wounds of two world wars, and of the underlying conflicts which, in some cases, went back centuries - the conflicts which made Europe the world’s bloodiest continent in the 20th century.

Conflict was replaced by prosperity with Ireland, a particularly spectacular example of success; and within the context of this new co-operation project called Europe, resources are shovelled from the rich to the poor. The single market gives scale and dynamism to economic activity and ancient rivalries which afflict many parts of Europe have, at least in the West, been put, if not entirely to rest, then very firmly on one side.

And you can see the same healing process working now in the 10 new member states. There are complex ethnic mixtures all over Central and Eastern Europe - with different minorities scattered around. The EU has made it a strict condition of membership that there is full recognition of minority rights and absolutely no discrimination and that has helped anchor these new states as democracies.

Apart from spreading peace, the EU has promoted democracy. It was only 30 years ago that we had fascist dictatorships in Spain, Portugal and Greece, 15 years ago since Eastern Europe was under the Warsaw Pact. The EU has quietly been helping the pro-democracy movements dig in and thrive.

And surely it is the EU historic mission to do the same in the Balkans where memories of bloody civil war have been only too recent.

Yet the ‘no’ votes in the French and Dutch referendums, and the British decision not to proceed with a referendum for the time being at least, have plunged the EU into crisis - a crisis which could be prolonged and paralysing without good co-operative leadership and collective action.

We saw the opposite of that in Brussels last week. After a major challenge to Europe’s future in the French and Dutch referendums, a challenge which needs skilled and creative leadership to overcome, we had a major contretemps about the EU budget.

When some statesmanship was needed, we saw nationalistic gallery-playing to divert attention from the problem about the EU Constitution. The British blame the French and vice versa. Others widen the blame, and ancient rivalries become faintly visible across the European Union.

And so to what was a constitutional crisis, and in many countries, a crisis in the economy too, we have to add a self-inflicted budgetary crisis too.

And while it pains me to say so, the UK Labour Government is at the heart of this crisis.

It was only 3 weeks ago that the UK linked the issue of its rebate to reform the Common Agricultural Policy; and only last year that the UK was among those blocking a proposal to limit the open-ended compensation paid to the largest farmers - the biggest scandal of the CAP.

So it was more opportunism than principle which motivated the Blair Government at the summit - and in consequence, they inflicted further damage on the European project. New Labour sermons about the need for change and reform will neither get nor deserve a hearing while the UK plays to its own eurosceptic gallery.

At the moment, we have an avowedly pro European Government blocking the budget, blocking key Social Europe issues like ending the opt-out from the working time directive and leading moves to put the Constitution in cold storage. It’s a good job that we do not have a Eurosceptic Government! But it is not just the UK. The ETUC Executive Committee met last week and recognised that while 10 countries have ratified the constitution, France and the Netherlands, two founder member states of the EU, have delivered a powerful blow, not just against the EU Constitutional Treaty but against the way the current European project is being managed.

They voted ‘no’ for many reasons, European and national, but fear of lower social standards and neo-liberal policies, of insecurity and precarious work, and of high unemployment played key parts.

The people of our continent rightly expect urgent action from Europe’s leaders. Not to act would encourage the opponents of the European project who are already seeking to weaken it. We supported the European Constitutional Treaty, stressing that the introduction of social values, social objectives, social dialogue and the charter of fundamental rights are important steps in the right direction. It is a compromise for sure but from a trade union point of view, the Constitution, brokered by the Irish Government, is a pretty good deal.

We also need a macro economic growth strategy.

The Member States have responsibilities now to find ways of proceeding both with the Constitutional Treaty and the development of Europe and not play to their own gallery.

But the French and Dutch votes were a wake-up call. The ETUC want a wide recognition that

* there will be no chance of gaining popular support in all countries for Europe without more successful economies and an effective social dimension, aiming to provide security in the process of change
* there is an overriding need to restore confidence in Europe by promoting Social Europe, more and better jobs, fundamental rights and growth-friendly macro-economic policies

* And we are calling for the EU and the social partners to draw up a new economic, employment and social pact reflecting a new measure of will to face the future together and make Europe fully ready to handle the globalisation process.

Moreover the European Council has to show that it is able

* firstly to come quickly to an agreement on the financial perspective with a substantial programme for growth, investment and research on the basis of a fair contribution and distribution for all Member States and a clear commitment to social and regional cohesion and solidarity.

* and secondly to regain the trust of the European citizens in integrating the social dimension in European politics (for example a Services directive - the so-called Bolkestein directive - which does not threaten a race to the bottom on labour standards; a working time directive which does not contain a British opt-out allowing workers to be pressured to work all hours; and protection for temporary agency workers). We had a demonstration on these matters in Brussels last March 19 in which 75,000 European workers voiced their support for Social Europe.

That met with one immediate success. The Bolkestein directive is being fundamentally revised in our direction. And while I cannot report similar progress on the Working Time directive, I believe that Social Europe is alive and well, that the French vote in particular put it centre stage, and that we should build on this.

So, today, President, at a time of European crisis, let us issue a call for European renewal, a call for the reconnection of Europe’s citizens to the project of building a stronger Europe committed to peace, justice and solidarity on our continent.

Let us initiate and participate in a frank debate about how big Europe should get; how it should spend its money, and how much its budget should be; how to strengthen Social Europe and make it dynamic in a world of rapidly emerging, new industrial powers. Let us build a new political manifesto for Europe - popular and realistic but also ambitious. Not to be America’s poodle but to stand as a powerful friend to democracy, peace and solidarity.

European countries, however venerable and significant, cannot do these things on their own. Old neighbours, who don’t get on together, squabble and achieve little. Working together, standing together, acting together achieves much.

Unity is strength in the trade union world. Unity is strength in Europe too.

To you all in Ireland, very best wishes for the future and thanks from the ETUC for all your support."

Debating the future of CAP

2005-06-23T11:10:00.000+01:00

RTE News reports that "the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has said he is not seeking to scrap EU farm subsidies overnight but to reduce them gradually." Part of the plan of the British Government to attack the CAP has been the release of the benefits of Northern Irish farmers from the CAP (thanks to Slugger), which has outraged the Ulster Farmer Union. In the meantime, a communique from the DUP reports that MEP Jim Allister attacked Blair on this issue by saying: "Could I also urge you as PM of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to stand up unashamedly for the rightful interests of the UK, not least the wholly justified rebate, which you can properly defend on its own merits without cloaking that defence in agricultural issues, which, I remind you, are themselves important to my part of your country." More here

Here is the full press release from Jim Allister:

DUP MEP JIM ALLISTER was the only Northern Ireland MEP called to speak in the debate following Tony Blair's address to the European Parliament. In his speech Mr Allister urged the PM to pursue a radical agenda of reform, replacing political union with free trade as the cornerstone of Europe, whose present structures and policies had failed.

In his remarks Mr Allister said:-

"Mr Blair, following the referendum rejections of the Constitution, you rightly said that "profound questions" now arose about the future of Europe. From the example of last weekend, it is clear the present over-centralised EU is not working. Though Mr Juncker sought yesterday to make the UK a scapegoat, the reality is that it is the structures and policies of Europe which are fatally flawed.
Over the next 6 months you have a perfect opportunity to promote radical solutions. Sticky plaster politics won't work. "Ever closer union" has failed. Its time to embrace the primacy of the nation states over the stifling control of Brussels, its time to repatriate key powers to national parliaments and governments, its time to return to making free trade, not political union, the cornerstone of Europe.
Could I also urge you as PM of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to stand up unashamedly for the rightful interests of the UK, not least the wholly justified rebate, which you can properly defend on its own merits without cloaking that defence in agricultural issues, which, I remind you, are themselves important to my part of your country."

Mary Lou McDonald supports proposals to stop inflated expenses for MEPs

2005-06-23T11:05:00.000+01:00

A SF communique reports that SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald will support a report at the European Parliament to bring to an end the practice of MEPs being able to claim inflated expenses. Ms McDonald is reported to have said: "since the most recent enlargement of the European Union in May 2004, there has been a discrepancy between members' salaries. MEPs from the new member states are paid significantly less than many of their Western European counterparts. Sinn Féin believes that there should be a single remuneration for members of the European Parliament. In line with party policy, Sinn Féin MEPs receive an average industrial wage, with the remainder paid into the party for development and constituency services."

Bairbre de Brun promotes e-learning accross Europe

2005-06-23T11:00:00.000+01:00

A SF press release reports that SF MEP Bairbre de Brun "helped to launch a major e-learning initiative at the European Parliament in Brussels. Ms de Brún said that such projects "can reach out to some of the most excluded sectors of society and is testament to their contribution to the local community"."

Allister Attacks Junker in the EP

2005-06-22T19:58:00.000+01:00

In a speech at the European Parliament, MEP DUP Jim Allister frontly attacked President of the Council Jean Claude Junker: "For those who still cling to the European dream, your Presidency has been a stunning failure. Under it, the precious Constitution has shipwrecked on the rocks of rejection and the budget is an unmitigated shambles, with rancour - as in your speech today - being its currency.Out of this though, good could come. If the effect was to jolt European leaders into the same reality stream that many of their people already occupy, then a workable Europe could emerge. Root and branch changes are essential, in which the primacy of the Nation State should be re-established and Brussels' centralisation reversed, with wide-ranging powers repatriated to national governments and parliaments. A Europe built on sovereign states, training and co-operating for mutual benefit and not for the purpose of an unwanted and unworkable "ever-closer Union" has some hope of success. This present Europe - as your Presidency demonstrates - cannot work."

Ahern Attacks British Rebate

2005-06-22T11:46:00.000+01:00

The Independent reports that: "The Irish premier Bertie Ahern said plans by Mr Blair to link reform of the EU's CAP with its EU rebate was a dishonest and unfair argument. Mr Ahern said he totally disagreed with Mr Blair's position on the EU budget which caused a stalemate at last week's European Council summit."

Irish Governement will publish a White Paper on the Constitutional Treaty in September

2005-06-22T11:17:00.000+01:00

A Press release from the Irish Government reports that Bertie Ahern said that: "In September, we will publish the Government’s White Paper on the European Constitution. This will ensure that comprehensive, accurate and factual information is made available to the public." The Taoiseach was also reacting to last week' Council in saying that "The failure to reach agreement on the Financial Perspectives was a further setback for the European Union at a time when it is still coming to terms with the result of the French and Dutch votes on the European Constitution. While I do not want to exaggerate the implications of the breakdown in these negotiations, I believe that the EU is now facing one of the most challenging periods in its history."

SF MEP Welcomes recommendations to protect children across the EU

2005-06-22T11:08:00.000+01:00

SF MEP Bairbre de Brun is reported to have said: "I want to welcome the recommendations by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams. The protection of our children should be paramount and it is important that a consistent system is put in place to ensure that those who wish to work or volunteer to work with children and young people pose no threat."

SF welcomes Irish Referendum on Constitutional Treaty

2005-06-22T11:00:00.000+01:00

Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: "I welcome the opportunity for the Irish people to have our say by referendum, and to continue with the progressive campaign against this neoliberal superstate Constitution."

"Eastern and Central European Immigration bad for Business": Tourist Chief

2005-06-21T13:59:00.000+01:00

The Belfast Telegraph reports that: "Tourist Board chief executive Alan Clarke suggested that a surge in people coming from eastern and central Europe and the Far East to work in Northern Ireland's hospitality industry could harm the Irishness "brand". He said: "Irishness is a brand, if all the staff are from eastern Europe it dilutes the brand. That is something we are concerned about.""

Irish Commissioner McGreevy acknowledges EU 'crisis'

2005-06-21T13:23:00.000+01:00

RTE reports that: "The European Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, has acknowledged that the EU is in severe difficulty after the rejection of the Constitution in France and the Netherlands and the failure to agree a new budget. Speaking in Dublin, he said that sometimes greater progress comes from such reverses. Referring to the tone of Friday's meeting of EU leaders, Mr McCreevy said it sounded no worse than the exchanges at a Fianna Fáil Cumann meeting."

Mary Lou McDonald Supports Trocaire Campaign

2005-06-20T19:48:00.000+01:00

SF MEP Mary Lou McDonald supports Tropcaire Campaign by calling upon the Irish Government to "hold to its original promise of meeting 0.7% of GDP by 2007".

MEPs concerned over CAP funding

2005-06-19T21:56:00.000+01:00

SF MEP Bairbre de Brun has recently expressed her concerns about the financing of the CAP. Last Saturday's Farming Life reports that DUP MEP Jim Allister, who argued that "there should be no surrender over the British rebate", has recently attacked Blair as it "is now disingenuous for the Prime Minister to link rebate changes to CAP changes. The rebate can properly be defended on its own merits. I believe the calls by Blair to reopen the CAP negotiations are merely a smoke screen and this is very unlikely to happen. It does, however, clearly demonstrate the current Government's attitude to the farming community." The Farming Life also reports that Ulster Farmers' Union has requested an urgent meeting with Farm Minister, Lord Rooker, to discuss the future of the CAP. Finally, in the same edition of this Farming Life, UUP MEP Jim Nicholson is reported to have urged Commissioner Fisher Boel to cut red tape over for farmers.

UUP MEP supports Sir Reg Empey

2005-06-18T16:28:00.000+01:00

The Belfast Telegraph reports that UUP MEP supports Sir Reg Empey in the race for the UUP leadership. Nicholson is reported to have said: "Reg is the only one capable of pulling it all together. He will take a no-nonsense approach to the task, lead from the front and be fair and equitable in all matters."

SF answers DUP over EU Subsidies for Irish Films

2005-06-18T09:15:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that SF South Down Assembly Member Caitriona Ruane said "Mr Allister's comments are typical of a party that is fundamentally opposed to the promotion of anything Irish and it seems he is attempting to hinder the thousands of people, of all ages, who are learning their native language in ever increasing numbers."

Jim Nicholson Urges Blair to defend the Rebate

2005-06-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

A press release from the UUP reports that MEP Jim Nicholson said "Last week the Prime Minister made a series of statements, which seemed to send messages of compromise. He can say non, nej, nein or just plain no but he must make it explicitly clear that the rebate is non - negotiable." More here

NICHOLSON ISSUES STERN WARNING TO THE PRIME MINISTER OVER UK REBATE

Speaking as European leaders gather in Brussels for what is potentially
the most momentous European Council summit in the history of the EU,
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has issued a stern warning to the Prime
Minister 'to stick to his guns' on the UK's £3 billion rebate and 'to
protect it at all costs.'

In a statement the UUP MEP said,

"There is only one course of action available to the Prime Minister. He
must stand firm and protect the UK's rebate at all costs, even if that
means stalling negotiations on the EU's budget for 2007 - 2013.

"Last week the Prime Minister made a series of statements, which seemed
to send messages of compromise. He can say non, nej, nein or just plain
no but he must make it explicitly clear that the rebate is non -
negotiable.

"The UK's rebate is fully justified as without it Britain's net
contribution would have been 15 times that of France. He must resist Franco -
German pressure to abolish the rebate and not bow to the bully - boy
tactics adopted by the leaders of Old Europe.

"The other item on the agenda for discussion is of course the future of
the European Constitution after the NO votes in both France and
Holland. This issue has been conveniently brushed under the carpet in recent
days, kept from the headlines by the debate over the UK rebate.

"Let me make it clear to the Prime Minister. There must be no cherry
picking of the constitution and no ratification by stealth either.
Introducing the constitution by the back door would be a grave betrayal of
the British people. The Prime Minister must declare the constitution is
dead or hold a referendum to give the British People the opportunity to
consign it, once and for all, to the political dustbin.

"The NO votes in the Dutch and French referendums have provided us with
an historic opportunity to charter a new course for Europe, a Europe
closer to its citizens where the EU does less but does it better." Ends

Issued by UUP Press Office

Bairbre de Brun defends the PAC

2005-06-18T08:58:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that MEP Bairbre de Brun said: "the British Prime Minister might not attach much value to the agricultural sector in Britain, but the economic importance of agriculture to rural communities and the nature of farming here in the North of Ireland make the British approach unsustainable."

Referenda Postponed - Reactions

2005-06-17T21:38:00.000+01:00

The decision to allow a period of "reflection" has been welcomed in different ways. Gerry Adams said: "it has become increasingly clear that European leaders, including the Irish Government are running scared of the electorate on this issue. Now is the time for real debate on the EU Constitution, not 'cold storage." Commenting on this period of extra time, Bernard Allen FG TD said "The extra time now available for ratification must be a period of active engagement with the public regarding the merits of the EU Constitution. Ireland has benefited hugely from membership of the EU, and the new EU Constitution will help to continue these positive benefits for our country." Bertie Ahern also said that "it is really up to individual governments to convince their people about the merits of the constitution." MEP UUP Jim Nicholson said: "There must be no cherry picking of the constitution and no ratification by stealth either. Introducing the constitution by the back door would be a grave betrayal of the British people. The Prime Minister must declare the constitution is dead or hold a referendum to give the British People the opportunity to consign it, once and for all, to the political dustbin." More reactions expected

Allister attacks Dublin over Fisheries

2005-06-17T14:14:00.000+01:00

It has been reported that "Jim Allister MEP has called, in the Fisheries Committee in Brussels, for the Republic of Ireland to desist from promise and move to meaningful action in ending the devastation being wrought to recreational salmon fishing by the continuance of drift nets on the West coast of Ireland." More here

Here is the press release from the Jim Allister:

ALLISTER DEMANDS ACTION BY DUBLIN ON DRIFT NETS

Jim Allister MEP has called, in the Fisheries Committee in Brussels, for the Republic of Ireland to desist from promise and move to meaningful action in ending the devastation being wrought to recreational salmon fishing by the continuance of drift nets on the West coast of Ireland.A presentation to the Committee by the North Atlantic Salmon Fund demonstrated that the Irish drift nets are radically reducing the numbers of mature salmon returning, not just to the rivers of Ireland and GB, but also to France and Spain. During the resulting debate, Mr Allister clashed with Fainna Fail member Sean O'Neachtain, over the inadequacy response of the Republic's response. Mr Allister pointed out that though Dublin had promised action for years, it had done nothing, whereas in Northern Ireland, we had successfully implemented a buy-out scheme, yet found out rivers, which were linked to the West coast, such as the Erne, were continuing to suffer a fall in salmon stocks because of their drift nets.Mr Allister has already raised this issue with the Fisheries Commissioner and has been promised a review of possible action following the conduct of a survey during this summer. It is hoped that the debate in the Fisheries Committee will add to the pressure on the Dublin Minister, Pat 'the Cope' Gallagher, to finally take effective action.

Irish Referendum Postponed

2005-06-17T14:11:00.000+01:00

RTE reports that the Irish Government chose to postpone the Referendum on the Constitutional Treaty. However, the Government declared that the ratification process will continue.

Watch the Council live

2005-06-16T21:50:00.000+01:00

Click here

Bairbre de Brun calls the Council commitment toward poorer nations

2005-06-16T19:13:00.000+01:00

A press release from SF reports that Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún today "called upon European leaders "to make firm commitments on supporting some of the world's poorest nations, by pledging to meet their obligations on Overseas Development Aid".

Poland makes fun of the "Polish Plumber" Threat

2005-06-16T17:16:00.000+01:00

After the drama around the arrival of massive number of Polish plumbers during the debate on the run up to the French referendum, the Polish Tourist Information website made this poster for the French:

"Polish farmers did not even know what a spud was" - Paisley

2005-06-16T10:16:00.000+01:00

MP Ian Paisley asked Secretary of State Jack Straw at the House of Commons: "The Foreign Secretary will no doubt be aware that an announcement was recently made to the farmers that the CAP had been secured after a mid-term review. Is he suggesting that the process will be reopened and that the farmers will not know their future, bearing it in mind that agriculture is the mainstay of our economy in Northern Ireland?" He latter said: "Now, suddenly, the farming community is asking us what is going to happen. We are alarmed about that. The Government must keep faith with the farming community because farming is in difficulty. I hear a lot of talk about Poland and the fact that it will be a threat to the farmers of those states that were in the economic Union first. Not many people know that Poland leads the world in the production of strawberries, and is about to take over the raspberry business as well. Before we know it, Poland might take over the carrot business too, and maybe try the spud business, even though Polish farmers did not even know what a spud was. When such countries get their produce on to the market, our farmers will have many more difficulties. We need to face up to that."

"Anti European Feeling in NI is Depressing" - Alasdair McDonnell

2005-06-16T09:37:00.000+01:00

Alasdair McDonnell SDLP South Belfast MP in his maiden speech at the House of Commons said: "Northern Ireland returned three anti-European MEPs last June. That the EU remains one of our strongest supporters of the peace process and the move towards stability in Northern Ireland was established beyond doubt only one week ago, when, despite last June's verdict, the European Commission announced a further £97 million of Peace II funding. We in the Social Democratic and Labour party, along with my colleagues in this House, recognise and welcome that support, and we remain equally strong in our commitment to Europe." More here

Alasdair McDonnell (Belfast South, SDLP) Link to this | Hansard source

I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for this my first opportunity to address the House as a Member of Parliament. I have been told that the long-held tradition is that a new MP should praise his predecessor, and I realise that this may be more difficult for some than for others. For me, it represents a particular challenge. My predecessor, the Reverend Martin Smyth, was MP for Belfast, South for some 23 years—since 1982. Given that Martin is a former grandmaster of the Orange Lodge and was an outspoken and constant critic of the Good Friday agreement, it would fair to say that he and I operated very much at opposite ends of the Northern Ireland political spectrum in almost every way. He is, however, an honest man and consistent in his views, and the efforts that he put into trying to frustrate the progress of the Good Friday agreement are worthy of note. His attempts to undo the agreement were in no small way instrumental in my victory on 5 May, and for that I am extremely grateful to him. Despite our many differences, I wish him well in his retirement.

I am pleased to contribute to this afternoon's debate on the future of the EU, and perhaps I will have a greater opportunity to do so on another occasion. Britain's attitude to Europe has long fascinated me, and that fascination remains after some of the events during today's Prime Minister's Question Time. As an Irishman and a member of a political party that fully embraces the ideal of European unity, I have looked at Britain's relationship with Europe with great frustration. It depresses me that a nation of many millions more people and with much greater financial power than most could not learn from the experiences of a simple country such as Ireland, whose financial power and political clout is much less, but which has benefited greatly from the social, political and economic opportunities offered by the EU.

For me, having listened to today's discussions, there is too much talk about putting Britain at the heart of Europe, and then facing the other way and starting to walk. At times in my despair, I am reminded of the apocryphal newspaper heading from early in the previous century, which stated, "Fog in channel—continent isolated." Given certain comments made in the House today, it is clear that some still consider the continent isolated. That remains one of the most depressing attitudes that we can experience in modern political life.

However, it is perhaps more depressing to consider what is happening to Northern Ireland in terms of attitudes to Europe. Despite unprecedented levels of EU investment in our region, totalling more than £3 billion, Northern Ireland returned three anti-European MEPs last June. That the EU remains one of our strongest supporters of the peace process and the move towards stability in Northern Ireland was established beyond doubt only one week ago, when, despite last June's verdict, the European Commission announced a further £97 million of Peace II funding. We in the Social Democratic and Labour party, along with my colleagues in this House, recognise and welcome that support, and we remain equally strong in our commitment to Europe.

In a maiden speech, it would be remiss of me not to mention some of my local interests. Although I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak in this august Chamber and to contribute to today's debate, the truth is that I would much prefer to be back on the ground in Belfast, working in the local devolved Assembly to bring peace and to strengthen the peace process that has been working there. I would prefer to be in Belfast, delivering real change for my constituents and making the Good Friday agreement work, but it is here that I must be, because of the intransigence, cynicism, lack of imagination and insecurities of other political movements in Northern Ireland. Because of the absolute absence of any democratic accountability in Northern Ireland, it is here that I must be. Because the Government have shirked from their commitments under the Good Friday agreement and have at times chosen the way of shady side-deals and secret promises, it is here that I must be.

I am here without apology as an Irish nationalist. Like many Irish leaders before us down the centuries, my party and I choose to stand here and to fight our corner honestly, and to argue an honourable case. With no other forum in which to hold the Government to account, and no other way to address the many serious issues facing my constituents, we stand up for them and fight for their needs. It saddens me deeply that five out of Northern Ireland's 18 MPs do not have the courage to do the same and to be here to argue their case.

I stand here and fight for a better deal for my constituents because all the people of Belfast, South—nationalists, Unionists and those of neither persuasion—deserve no less from me. In Belfast, South, I am privileged to serve a constituency that encapsulates much that is good, and which perhaps better than any other illustrates the many and varied issues that are holding Northern Ireland back. It is the home of some of the most successful business and professional people in the country, and it also includes some of the areas of greatest deprivation and social need. It contains some of the most fiercely loyalist, and some of the most staunchly provo, districts in Northern Ireland.

Some of my constituents have enjoyed the benefits of relative economic success, while many more live under the yoke of paramilitary crime syndicates and are brutalised daily by gangs of one hue or another. The malaise that hangs over much of Belfast, South is the same one that hangs over Northern Ireland. It is a malaise born of economic stagnation, cynicism about our politicians and a general disillusionment with the breakdowns and the stop-start methods of the peace process. It is a malaise that is exacting a terrible human toll. I give a simple example. A generation of young men has been cut down by one of the highest suicide rates in Europe. In my constituency alone, we can treat only one third of those presenting with mental illness, an issue which we discussed earlier today. The development of mental health services in Northern Ireland has fallen well behind the rest of the UK. This is particularly so in, for example, certain inner-city areas in my constituency that have levels of deprivation and poor social cohesion that are among the highest in Northern Ireland. Inner-city deprivation results in higher mental health needs, but community mental health services in Belfast, South are inadequately developed, and staffed far short of the levels required to meet the range of mental health needs.

The disillusionment with our political process to which I referred has been encouraged by—and, in turn, encourages—parties whose strength comes from fear and division. It is an attitude that has served those parties well, but it serves no one else. As the parties of division have succeeded, our shared public services—the bread-and-butter issues that reflect the needs of our ordinary people—have failed. Be it the health service, schools, the infrastructure or the economy, we are seeing the direct and devastating effects of political failure. While the extreme loyalists and provos play their political games, everybody else suffers.

It might not be entirely clear to the House what a failure direct rule can be for us at times, but I would like to give two simple examples of what happens when accountability slips and is removed—examples that should be close to the heart of this Government. In Northern Ireland we have good schools and excellent teachers who are struggling to educate a new generation of our children to practise reconciliation, to build a future, to break the cycle of underachievement, resentment and violence, and to dare, perhaps, to hope for a better future. I am aware that the Government were once elected on a platform of education, education, education, but I regret that in Northern Ireland our education budget has been cut.

At times we hear of difficulties across Britain, and criticism of the Government that I often do not accept: I support the Government and most of what they do, and I do not like some of the allegations that are made. Let me, however, give a second example. Our region struggles with planning policy perhaps more than any other. We have a city, Belfast, that needs a co-ordinated urban regeneration policy. Perhaps I could refer briefly to what Sherlock Holmes might historically have described as the Sprucefield John Lewis case. Developers sought permission for a massive 500,000 sq ft development 11 miles from the city. I was satisfied that it would never go through—that the application would be thrown out—as was the chief executive of our planning service. Unfortunately, our new local environment Minister had other plans. Barely a fortnight into the job he called a press conference and announced that the project would go ahead, devastating the heart of the city and Belfast, South in particular. My constituents are bewildered, to say the least.

Various factors have combined to bring the SDLP to this point. I have already mentioned the parties of division, but I am sad to say that at times another factor has been the attitude of Government. Last year, Government decided to sideline the SDLP in negotiations. Much time and energy was devoted to the parties of division. By sidelining the SDLP, Government sidelined the party of inclusivity and pluralism. It was never going to work, and when it failed the SDLP was expected to throw out the Good Friday agreement and cobble together a shady deal. We are not interested in a shady deal. We believe that there is a future in Northern Ireland. That is what we are working for here, and that is what we are prepared to fight for here.

We in the SDLP have shown, I think, that we will not be ignored. We stand up to militant thugs on the ground at home, and we will stand up politically everywhere else for what we believe in. For centuries Irish Members of Parliament have been returned to this House to make a case for justice, equality and peace in Ireland. The SDLP is proud to have three Members here, and to continue that honourable tradition.

Our party has played a major role in bringing the region to where it is today, bringing about the peace process, and bringing about the stability—or relative stability—that has been created. We stand closer today to achieving the goals that have been sought for centuries, the goals of justice, equality and peace, than at any other time in our history. I must warn the House, however, that Northern Ireland stands on the verge of something much less positive.

My colleague and great friend, the former Member of Parliament Seamus Mallon, has talked of the balkanisation of Northern Ireland. That is a nightmare for all of us. If the parties of division have their way, we will all live in single-community ghettos. I assure the House that the SDLP will stand up to those who would seek to establish such an apartheid society.

When we began our struggle 35 years ago, marching for civil rights—it continued until the time of the Good Friday agreement, as we sought justice, equality and fairness—we wanted to create a pluralist, tolerant society where every child would be cherished equally and our towns and cities would be shared places welcoming all. In that struggle, we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of families such as the family of Pat Finucane. We will continue to stand beside families such as the McCartney sisters as they resist mob rule and thuggery, and provide an example for all of us of decency, a high profile and courage.

Belfast, South reflects many of the problems of modern society in Northern Ireland, but it is a constituency from which I believe we can all draw some hope. It is one of the very few areas left in Northern Ireland where people from both main traditions can live genuinely in mixed communities and work together. It is a constituency where, despite some high-profile setbacks, we are welcoming in new immigrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds across the globe—from eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. I look forward to working every day during this Parliament to encourage all that is good in my constituency, and to shine a light on that which might be rotten. I will stand up as best I can to those who would divide, instil a fear or hold back our potential.

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for enabling me to make my first speech to this august Chamber.

"Spain is the Culprit over Fisheries" - Allister

2005-06-16T09:31:00.000+01:00

A press release from Jim Allister reports that MEP DUP Jim Allister said: "The report for the year 2003 has just been published and makes amazing reading. It shows a total of 9502 cases of serious infringement covering such matters as illegal fishing, tampering with records, obstructing fisheries inspectors, using prohibited fishing gear, breach of mesh sizes and fishing with falsified documents. Spain - who gains the most under the Common Fisheries Policy - is the prime culprit with one third of the total of serious infringements, followed by Italy and Portugal. The United Kingdom - ever zealous in implementing EU regulation - has a mere 91 infringements compared to Spain's 3158 and the Republic of Ireland's 103, even though its fleet is only one fifth the size of that of the UK." More Here

SPAIN MAKES MOCKERY OF FISHING REGULATIONS SAYS ALLISTER

Statement by DUP MEP Jim Allister:

The European Commission, by a Regulation introduced in 1999, requires Member States to make an annual return of infringements of the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy.

The report for the year 2003 has just been published and makes amazing reading. It shows a total of 9502 cases of serious infringement covering such matters as illegal fishing, tampering with records, obstructing fisheries inspectors, using prohibited fishing gear, breach of mesh sizes and fishing with falsified documents. Spain - who gains the most under the Common Fisheries Policy - is the prime culprit with one third of the total of serious infringements, followed by Italy and Portugal. The United Kingdom - ever zealous in implementing EU regulation - has a mere 91 infringements compared to Spain's 3158 and the Republic of Ireland's 103, even though its fleet is only one fifth the size of that of the UK.

The level of fines imposed for these breaches is equally enlightening. For example, the average fine for unauthorised fishing in Belgium was 375 EUR but in the UK it was 19,255 EUR. The average fine in Germany for falsifying data was 98 EUR but in the UK it was 132,056 EUR! Overall, the average fine for serious infringement in the UK was 77,922 EUR whereas in Finland it was 282 EUR.

The average fines imposed in the Republic of Ireland are unknown because, in breach of the Regulation, the Irish authorities have failed to make the information available.

These figures, in the fishing area as in so many other areas, demonstrate that the UK assiduously, even fanatically, implements EU regulations while other countries largely turn a blind eye and impose laughable penalties.

Being grossly dissatisfied with the disparity which these figures illustrate, I am writing to Commissioner Borg to establish what remedial steps he proposes to take against the offending countries, not least the Republic of Ireland and its contemptuous failure to even provide information on penalties.

The Common Fisheries Policy has not only been a disaster in its content for the United Kingdom but, as these figures illustrate, in its implementation it is permitted to be wholly partisan.

Bairbre de Brun lobbies for PEACE III

2005-06-15T16:42:00.000+01:00

In her Daily Ireland today's column, SF MEP Bairbre de Brun announced that "next Monday, Sinn Fein will host a major agri-rural and PEACE III breakfast briefing at Stormont. We will also use the event to urge those in attendance to lobby the Irish and British governments to support the call for a Peace III programme." A SF press release also reports that Armagh residents campaigners have been addressing the issue of British military presence in their County during an EU conference in Brussels.

Ahern to meet Blair over future of the Treaty

2005-06-15T11:35:00.000+01:00

RTE reports that "the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will meet the British Prime MinisterTony Blair, at the House of Commons later today for talks on Northern Ireland and on the future of the EU Constitution. Mr Ahern will also have a separate meeting at the Irish Embassy in London with a DUP delegation led by Ian Paisley."

Bairbre de Brun fights for EU rural budget

2005-06-14T18:13:00.000+01:00

SF MEP Bairbre de Brun, speaking after a conference on rural development, is reported to have said that "it was very important that rural development is not sold short in any deal on the Financial Perspectives (EU Budget for 2007- 2013) and also that we get agreement now.One thing is very clear from all that has been said. If European heads of state are serious about creating jobs in rural areas as an alternative to falling incomes from farming it is short sighted to take money out of the rural development budget. Speaker after speaker today also emphasised the importance of the bottom up approach. Mrs Maura Walsh, speaking on behalf of ELARD (rural Network for the Mediterranean and Ireland) told how LEADER + in the North of Ireland had had a target to create 1,000 jobs yet had managed to create 800 jobs in the first year alone."

NI will held first Ministerial Meeting of UK Presidency

2005-06-14T13:16:00.000+01:00

John Simpson, in the Belfast Telegraph, reports that "on July 6 Northern Ireland goes centre stage in the European Union. The first ministerial meeting after July 1 is to be held in Northern Ireland. Ministers from all 25 EU governments who have responsibility for employment policies will hold an informal meeting of the EU Employment Council here."

Irish Voters think referendum should go ahead - poll

2005-06-14T12:52:00.000+01:00

A poll commissioned by the Irish Times suggests that a majority of Irish voters believes the Government should go ahead with a referendum on the EU Constitution. However, the poll also shows that "should the referendum proceed, 35 per cent would vote to reject the constitution, 30 per cent to accept it, while 35 per cent don't know or have no opinion." In his fight against the Treaty, DUP MEP Jim Allister today told the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels that "it was time to face up to the reality that foisting the rejected Constitution on the people of Europe was "mission impossible"". In the meantime, it has been reported that the Danes wonder if they are going to hold a referendum on the Treaty or not. More here

DUP MEP; JIM ALLISTER; today told the Constitutional Affairs Committee
of the European Parliament in Brussels that it was time to face up to the
reality that foisting the rejected Constitution on the people of Europe was
"mission impossible".With Constitution supporters divided over whether to press ahead with the ratification process or go for suspension and review, Jim Allister said
those who remained in blind denial epitomised the arrogance of the
European elite who had been so robustly rebuffed by the people of France and
Holland. Mr Allister urged the Committee to face the fact and consequences that
the Constitution had been rejected on its merits - because people don't
want more centralisation, they weren't enjoying the 'euroland' experience,
they believed national control was better and rejected superstatehood for
Europe. Thus, he argued, honest abandonment was the way to go."

Carlingford Lough get £500.000 from EU funds

2005-06-13T17:14:00.000+01:00

Daily Ireland reports that "Carlingford Lough, which separates counties Down and Louth, is to get significant funding under a new cross-border initiative. While the Erne-Shannon waterway has been developed into one of Ireland’s main tourist attractions for anglers and boating enthusiasts and Lough Neagh remains one of the country’s most prized nature reserves, Carlingford Lough has been overlooked repeatedly by both investors and government funding."

Irish to Become 21st EU Official Language

2005-06-13T15:32:00.000+01:00

RTE reports that "EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg today supported the proposal, which is now certain to be formally adopted this afternoon." Dermot Ahern said "This is a real psychological boost for the Irish language. People often said that we would be subsumed into the EU culture. This confirms the fact that there are multiple identities in the EU but each of us is no less nationalistic than prior to us joining." It has also been reported "that the Irish premier Bertie Ahern had to intervene a number of times to secure agreement by all member states." This decision will come into effect in 2007. SF MEP Bairbre de Brun declared that "today's announcement is a victory for campaigners from all over Ireland and further afield who continue to campaign for equality for the language." Fine Gael Dinny McGinley TD said that "this recognition of the status of the Irish language at EU level is welcome, not least as it will reverse that inexplicable decision made by Fianna Fáil in 1972 when they failed to seek official status for the language." ***UPDATE***: SF Dail leader Caoimhghín O Caoláin in an Irish and English press release said "it should be remembered that the Government was unwilling to put this issue forward until it was raised as a major issue during the EU election campaign last year, raised by Sinn Féin, among other parties and groups." ***UPDATE*** MEP DUP Jim Allister however, notes that "what we have here is the outworking of a Gaelic ego-trip by those who thrive on a pretence of being deprived". ***UPDATE*** UUP MEP Jim Nicholson reacted by saying that "given that the estimated initial cost to the taxpayer of EUR3.5 million a year, I feel it is inappropriate for our Government to have backed the measure in Council." More here ***Update*** Paisley said at the House of Commons: "I have just discovered that a translation into the Irish language is to be made available. I made some inquiries, which revealed that no Member of the European Parliament in this term or any other term has ever required an Irish translation to participate in the workings of the European Parliament. The translation will cost £3.5 million every year, and there will be 20 to 30 translators translating into Irish for Irish people who never even asked for it."

STATEMENT BY DUP MEP JIM ALLISTER

"Today's decision to elevate Irish as an official language of the EU is a gross waste of public money for the basest of political reasons. What we have here is the outworking of a Gaelic ego-trip by those who thrive on a pretence of being deprived.
It is also important to note the precedent which such a step will create for other secondary and regional languages. There are 3 regional languages from Spain campaigning for recognition and if Irish becomes an official working language then their case is unanswerable, for they are living, not dead languages. This matter is getting out of hand. All Irish MEPs have English as their first language and for 25 years have found it more than adequate. We already have 20 languages in the EU, all with immense translation costs, now, pressurised by Sinn Fein, the Irish Government has put pursuit of republican ideology above pragmatic common sense and fiscal responsibility."

****

Statement by UUP MEP Jim Nicholson:

"Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has criticised the Government's
backing for the Irish language being upgraded to official language status in
the European Union.

Speaking from Brussels, Mr Nicholson said, "The push to have Irish
upgraded was a purely political campaign. It will only serve to overburden
a linguistic régime which is already struggling to cope with 20
official languages. Given that the estimated initial cost to the taxpayer of
EUR3.5 million a year, I feel it is inappropriate for our Government to
have backed the measure in Council.

"Given that the UK Government's endorsement of the upgrade comes only
days after the Commission approved £12 million in state aid i.e. British
taxpayer aid to the Irish Language Broadcast fund in Northern Ireland,
we have got to question the priority of Government in investing moral
and financial support in the promotion of the Irish language at a time
when budget constraints are being felt in essential public sector areas
such as health and education.""

Lisbon Strategy Event

2005-06-13T10:44:00.000+01:00

The Irish Congress of Trade Union will held an event at the Waterfront Studio June 21 on the Listbon Strategy. A specialist panel will answer the questions: "What is the 'Lisbon strategy'? Did it sink the French and Dutch referendums?" More Here

"If so, how and why?
Do we want the European or US model for jobs and welfare - what could be
more central to the debate on Europe? Come and hear....

Lisbon: Failed Agenda or Future Strategy?

The Studio, Waterfront Hall, Belfast

21 June 2005

5.30-7.00pm

The Biennial Delegate Conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions
is taking place in Belfast 21-24 June. Following the conference theme of
"Quality Work Quality Life" there will be a public meeting on the Lisbon
Strategy followed by a Q & A session and panel discussion.

The event will be chaired by Wendy Austin, presenter of Good Morning
Ulster BBC Radio Ulster

On the panel will be:

Mr John Doyle, EU Commission Task Force on Lisbon Objectives and
Sustainable Development

Ms Maria Helena Andre, Deputy General Secretary, European Trade Union
Confederation (ETUC)

Mr David Begg, General Secretary, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

Sir Samuel Brittan, Financial Times columnist

Mr John Simpson, Belfast Telegraph columnist

Election 2005 - what just happened?

Follow Stratagem's election analysis, debriefing and listings on
www.stratagem-ni.com"

"No Surrender over the Rebate" - Allister

2005-06-12T23:11:00.000+01:00

In a press release, DUP MEP Jim Allister said "it is imperative in the British national interest that there is no fudge or budge on the British rebate. As a nation the EU has cost us dear." More here
"The United Kingdom has always been a net contributor, that is, even with the UK rebate, we contribute more than we get back. The UK’s net contribution can vary considerably from year to year. The table below sets out the UK’s contribution, abatement and public sector receipts from the EU for the period 1998 – 2004, showing an estimated net contribution of over £4 B in 2004. Taken over all our years of membership it is clear that EU membership has been a massive drain on our financial resources.

(...)

While others spong off Europe the UK pays in far too much. The rebate must not be surrendered, nor can it be used as the scapegoat for Europe’s multiple ills. It is not the rebate which causes loss to EU resources but excessive waste and foolish projects. With the Court of Auditors refusing to sign off EU spending for each of the last 10 years, it is clear that the books are a shambles and fraudulent leaching of funds is rife.”

Ulster Farmers defend the CAP

2005-06-12T16:45:00.000+01:00

The Farming Life reports that "Ulster Farmer Union chief executive, Clarke Black, said suggestions that the CAP needed to be reformed were completely unacceptable to the agriculture industry. He said: "The CAP has already been successfully reformed. 2005 is the first year of this new approach to farm support and farmers were informed that the current Reform is supposed to run until 2013. The farming industry now needs a period of stability, not suggestions of further reform."" Read the full press release here

Motion against Barroso: SF and DUP MEPs under pressure?

2005-06-11T13:23:00.000+01:00

Interesting enough: although SF MEPs Bairbre de Brun and Mary Lou McDonald alongside DUP Jim Allister supported at first the motion against the EU Commmission presented by the UKIP Nigel Farage, they seemed to have all changed their minds: Mary Lou McDonald and Bairbre de Brun voted against the motion and Jim Allister chose the abstention. The Scotsman reports that "Some legislators who signed had been under pressure from their parties to remove their names, and British Conservative Roger Helmer had been expelled from the European People’s Party, the largest group in the parliament, after he publicly criticised the group’s leaders." Overall, only 35 MEPs voted in favour of the motion which was rejected.

Taoiseach rejects "confusion" over the ratification process

2005-06-10T16:25:00.000+01:00

Breaking News reports that Bertie Ahern denied yesterday that there was some confusion over the ratification process and argued that "What people do not know is where would the Netherlands and France stand if everybody else ratified it. What would actually happen and what time frame is there now for ratification." However, Daily Ireland' today's editorial notes that "the continuing assertions by the Irish government that it will hold a referendum on the EU constitution must be regarded with suspicion. It is obvious that the treaty is dead, and that another one will be negotiated." More here Ahern: No confusion on EU Constitution
09/06/2005 - 15:53:03

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has denied that people are confused over the ratification of the EU Constitution.

The draft Treaty needs agreement from 25 member states but EU founder members France and the Netherlands have already rejected it.

However Mr Ahern pointed out that 10 countries have already ratified it and 13 have yet to decide, including Ireland.

“That’s where it’s at. I don’t think there’s any confusion,” he told reporters in Dublin today.

“What people do not know is where would the Netherlands and France stand if everybody else ratified it. What would actually happen and what time frame is there now for ratification.”

The Taoiseach said a European Council summit in Brussels next week will give EU leaders some guidance on the troubled issue.

“We have to wait until next week when we will get the collective view of everybody and to see what is the position moving forward.”

Mr Ahern, who helped broker EU agreement on the Treaty last year, also said it was unlikely there would be ratification in the UK in the shorter term.

“They hold an important position because they take over the EU presidency next month,” he added.

Last week, Progressive Democrat TD Mae Sexton said an Irish referendum would be a waste of money and urged the Government to have the document re-negotiated.

Luxembourg Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, who currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, has said he will resign if Luxembourg rejects the Constitution in its July 10 referendum.

The tiny state, with an electorate of 200,000, is the next country to vote on the EU Constitution after it was rejected in France and the Netherlands.

"DUP should welcome EU Peace funding" - Bairbre de Brun

2005-06-09T14:08:00.000+01:00

Although, MEP DUP Jim Allister said at first that the EU Peace funding were on 'probation', he finally encouraged Unionists to apply for the new scheme of grants. However, SF MEP Bairbre de Brun said :"The DUP welcome for the additional funding announced last week seems to fly in the face of their efforts since 1994 and before to scupper the development of the peace process and their continuing opposition to the Good Friday Agreement which it produced. They should draw the obvious conclusions from welcoming the PEACE II extension and embrace the peace process also."

Allister opposes EU seat at the UN

2005-06-09T12:21:00.000+01:00

A communique from the DUP reports that "MEP Jim Allister has today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg opposed a resolution calling for reform of the United Nations to embrace a seat for the EU. Mr Allister put his opposition on the record by declaring:- "Being utterly opposed to the acquisition of statehood by the EU and the compulsion of a single foreign policy for Europe, I voted against the Resolution urging that reform of the UN should embrace a seat for the EU. This is a resolution driven by those consumed by a fanatical desire to usurp national authority and status. In my view only nation states can and should represent their citizens in the United Nations, with each free to determine their own foreign policy. With the defeated EU Constitution there is now even less justification than ever for this foolish proposal.""