Republican News · Thursday 22 April 1999

[An Phoblacht]

Sinn Féin and the EU

Neutrality, economic and social progress and inclusivity, policies which put people before profit, community-led programmes for rural and urban development, protection of the environment and the pursuit of national sovereignty are the issues at the centre of Sinn Féin's EU election campaign which was officially luanched in Dublin on Wednesday, 21 April. Below is and edited version of the party's EU election manifesto.

One of the core issues facing voters is what kind of European Union we want and how best this can be achieved. Sinn Féin are committed to:

  • Working for reform, accountability and democracy
  • Advancing national democracy and economic and social justice
  • Promoting a 32 county political and economic identity

Peace and Independence

Sinn Féin is working to transform Irish society and develop agreement among the people of Ireland. We instigated and led efforts to secure a lasting peace and will continue to represent our electorate in working for:

  • The implementation of the Good Friday Agreement
  • Réiteach buan síochána
  • Irish unity and Independence

Economy

Sinn Féin believe that Economic Monetary Union will limit the right of Irish people to control their own economy. Our vision of European Union economic policy involves:

  • Decentralising power and decision making
  • Strengthening social provisions
  • Córas cánach forásach
  • Reducing poverty
  • A dignified standard of living for all

EU Structural Funds

Sinn Féin believes that the manner in which funds are allocated and controlled needs to be reformed. Sinn Féin are calling for:

  • Funds to be allocated efficiently and transparently
  • end to discrimination in funding allocations
  • Maximise the participation of local communities
  • The promotion of a coherent all Ireland dimension to structural funds

Environment

Sinn Féin are committed to the principles of sustainable development. The aim of environmental policy both within Ireland and the European Union must be to create less pollution, use energy wisely and to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Sinn Féin are calling for:

  • All-Ireland approach to environmental issues
  • Dúnadh Sellafield
  • A ban on the production and sale of genetically modified foods
  • Enactment of EU waste legislation in the six counties and a more pro-active approach in the 26 counties
  • A ban on the use of incinerators

Neutrality

Sinn Féin is committed to the maintenance of positive neutrality and an independent foreign policy. Sinn Féin believes we should:

  • Oppose the militarisation of the EU and the participation by Ireland in military alliances eg: Partnership for Peace (PfP)
  • Reifreann ar bhallraíocht i PfP
  • Strengthen our unique position on the international stage as a neutral state in Europe

CAP Reform

The recent much heralded start to reform of CAP did not address the huge inequalities which have led to large farmers winning out at the cost of smallholders. Sinn Féin believes we need:

  • Real reform of the CAP to keep the greatest number of farmers on the land
  • Gníomh práinneach chun cabhrú le feirmeoirí atá faoi bhagairt chlisiúnais
  • Funding for organic farming and rural development

Equality

Equality and bringing an end to exclusion and discrimination must be at the heart of EU social policy. Sinn Féin believes we must:

  • Oppose racism
  • Provide childcare facilities
  • Extend social charter to the six counties
  • Infheistiú in oideachas, sláinte agus seirbhísí soisialta
  • Promote an equality agenda

Martin Ferris

European Candidate Munster

Martin Ferris, from Ardfert, Co. Kerry, is married to Marie and is the father of six children. As Sinn Féin's representative in North Kerry he has a proven record on both local and national issues.

Martin has been a member of Sinn Féin's Ard Chomhairle since 1994 and was centrally involved in the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement. He is currently a member of our talks team. He has travelled internationally, particularly in the United States, to promote our peace strategy.

Martin has been strongly involved in local politics over the past five years, particularly on issues such as the plight of small family farmers and rural decline, the continuing neglect of fishing communities and the problem of drug dealing and addiction.

Martin has spent a total of 13 years in prison for his political beliefs, including 47 days on hunger strike in Portlaoise prison in 1977.

Standing in the 1997 General Election as a first time candidate, Martin almost took a seat for Sinn Féin in the North Kerry constituency, receiving a total vote of 7,294.

In addition to the European elections, Martin will be standing for Sinn Féin in the local elections to both Tralee Urban District Council and Kerry County Council.

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