A Social Europe that works for all – Labour publishes European Election manifesto 2024
- Voters urged to send Labour MEPs to Europe to ensure a voice for Ireland in second largest group in the Parliament.
- Only a strong S&D group with Labour MEPs can stop a second term for Ursula Von Der Leyen.
- Labour outlines priorities for a just transition, a European housing plan and social progress.
Labour is a member of the Party of European Socialists, the largest progressive force in the EU, and if Ireland elects Labour MEPs on June 7th they will join the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, the only group that can challenge a second term for Ursula Von Der Leyen as Commission President.
Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik said:
“Today Labour has published our manifesto for the European elections, and across Ireland I am urging people to vote for their Labour MEP candidate if they want an alternative to Ursula Von Der Leyen as Commission President, and to ensure that the next Parliament is focused on a just transition for a sustainable economy, an European plan for affordable housing, MEPs who stand firm against the far right, and European solidarity with the people of Gaza and Ukraine.
“We want a Europe that works for all. No country can face the challenges of our times alone. Our European priorities are:
- Delivering a European Plan for Affordable Housing.
- Fighting for better jobs and higher wages.
- Building a Social Europe and ensuring the rich pay their fair share.
- A Just Transition on climate and lower energy prices.
- Protecting our democracy and fighting the far right.
- A Feminist Europe and protecting the rights of minorities.
- A Europe that promotes peace, security and development.
Labour candidate for Dublin, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said:
“I believe our place in Europe is key to building a better future for Dublin and its citizens – whether it’s workers’ rights, housing, climate action or protecting our democracy. The values and solidarity that bind the members of the European Union have never been more important or more under siege. The threat of the far right looms large across Europe and Putin’s war continues in Ukraine. I am determined if elected to use my voice in Europe to stand up to these threats to democracy and our collective humanity.
Niamh Hourigan, Labour’s candidate in the South Constituency said:
“From Limerick to Wexford the issues I’ve been campaigning on – of a Just Transition to a greener economy, to introduce a European Plan for Affordable Housing and to protect Irish neutrality are resonating with voters across Ireland South. People recognise that they need MEPs who will have influence in the Parliament and that currently Ireland is without a voice in the second largest group where many of the key decisions that affect Ireland will be made over the next five years. To protect the Green New Deal, oppose Mercosur, and build peace please vote Labour on June 7th.
Labour candidate for Midlands North West, Fergal Landy concluded:
“Our manifesto outlines our ambitious priorities for the next five years. Overall the EU has been a positive project for Ireland, and my objective if elected will be to ensure that the local is connected to Europe, and the people feel they have influence over the decisions made that affect them. Our sense of place starts in our local communities, and we must connect those to the social, economic, and cultural benefits, but also the challenges, that come from Europe. Our plans on regional development, CAP reform and protecting public services will help us meet that objective.”
The Manifesto is available here: European Election Manifesto 2024 – The Labour Party
