Kelly stresses importance of Mid-West representation
Nenagh link with European candidate
The importance of strong Mid-West representation in the European parliament was stressed by Labour TD Alan Kelly as Limerick’s Niamh Hourigan officially launched her European election campaign last Friday.
Niamh, whose husband Seamus is from Nenagh, was selected by the Labour party to run as their candidate in the Ireland South Constituency.
Speaking at the launch event on Friday, Labour TD for Tipperary, Alan Kelly, said the region is not getting the representation it needs at a European level: “Ireland hasn’t had a Labour MEP since I entered the Dáil. This means that Ireland has had no representation in the second largest group in the European parliament, the Socialists and Democrats. It also means that the MidWest has been lacking representation at EU level.
“It’s so important that we can have a voice that can articulate what we need as a region, and to engage in the real issues that are going on in the rural economy. I am very pleased to support Niamh’s campaign to be the Labour voice in Europe.”
Fighting for a Just Transition in regards to climate change, introducing a European Plan for Affordable Housing and protecting Ireland’s neutrality are Niamh’s three key priorities for her campaign.
Niamh is the Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick and has worked for 25 years as a sociologist. In addition to her extensive work in academia, Niamh is a widely respected commentator on a variety of themes including value change, minority culture, education, corruption, crime, and community violence. Her PhD focused on minority languages in Europe, she has lived and worked in France and taught courses on European societies for a number of years.
Speaking at the launch, Niamh stressed the importance of securing strong representation for the Ireland South region at this particularly politically fractious time.
“I am very proud to have been nominated by the Labour Party to run in the European elections in Ireland South. I believe that I have the experience and expertise to represent the people of the Mid-West in Europe fairly and effectively and I would ask for support on June 7.
“We are reaching a critical moment in Europe. On one hand, the EU through its rules, and regulations has more control over us than ever before. On the other hand, the EU has never been more polarized, never been more vulnerable to external threat.
“Contrary to popular opinion, the European parliament is growing in power and influence and it’s never been more important to have people there who can articulate the concerns of the people of Ireland South.”
NENAGH LINK
Niamh’s husband, Seamus, is a chartered accountant and a partner in O’Brien Duff, which is based in Tyone Nenagh. He grew up on McDonogh St in Nenagh and his parents were Kathleen and Jim, who was a well-known builder in Nenagh. Seamus has been very involved in the New Institute in Nenagh and is a member of Nenagh Golf Club.
You can find out more about Niamh and support her candidacy by visiting https://labour.ie/people/niamh-hourigan/.