Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents a defining opportunity to advance balanced regional development, stand up for workers, families and rural communities, and ensure that Waterford and the South East benefit from a stronger focus on regional investment.
Speaking from Dublin Castle, where he attended the ceremony marking the commencement of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union as TD for Waterford and Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Deputy McGuinness said:
“Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union comes at a defining moment for Europe and for Ireland. It provides an opportunity to show leadership, advance Ireland’s national interests and help shape the future direction of the European Union.”
“Across Waterford and the South East, people continue to face real challenges around housing, the cost of living, infrastructure and access to public services. Ireland should use its Presidency to champion policies that support workers, families, farmers and rural communities, strengthen regional economies and ensure that economic progress works for ordinary working people in every part of the country.”
During Ireland’s Presidency, Waterford has been twinned with Denmark as part of a programme of cultural and civic engagement. Deputy McGuinness said he looks forward to ongoing engagement with the Danish Embassy throughout the Presidency and to participating in a programme of events that will strengthen the relationship between Waterford and Denmark.
Deputy McGuinness, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has long advocated for stronger regional development. Before his election to the Dáil, served as a member of the European Committee of the Regions and the Southern Regional Assembly, championing greater recognition and investment for Waterford at local, national and European level.
Continuing, Deputy McGuinness said:
“For too long, regions like the South East have been overlooked while investment has become increasingly concentrated elsewhere. Ireland should use this Presidency to champion balanced regional development, invest in rural communities, strengthen our maritime economy and ensure every region has the opportunity to reach its full potential. Waterford and the South East must benefit from a renewed commitment to regional development.”
“As Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, I also want to see Ireland use this Presidency to highlight the importance of our coastal communities, fishing industry and maritime economy as strategic priorities for both Ireland and the European Union.”
“Ireland’s Presidency must stand up for peace, international law and Ireland’s military neutrality. At a time when some seek to redefine the European Union through the prism of militarisation, Ireland should instead champion dialogue, diplomacy, humanitarian action and respect for international law. Ireland has earned respect across the world as an independent voice for peace and UN peacekeeping, and that is the role we should continue to play.”
“The European Union must also renew its commitment to the values on which it was founded. It must be an unwavering champion of human rights, solidarity and the rule of law, applying those principles consistently and without exception. At a time when the EU’s commitment to those values has been found wanting, it must change course to ensure they are reflected not only in its words, but in its actions.”
“Ireland’s Presidency should be defined by ambition, fairness and leadership. It should prepare responsibly for Ireland’s constitutional future, stand with workers, families, farmers and communities facing real economic pressures, deliver balanced regional development across every part of Ireland, and uphold the values of peace, democracy, human rights, solidarity and international law.”
“These are the priorities that I will champion throughout Ireland’s Presidency, while ensuring that Waterford and the South East have a strong voice and benefit from the opportunities it presents.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 