June 12th2009
Marian Harkin
Via Eurolink
INDEPENDENT MEP Marian Harkin spoke out this week of her regret that her colleague in Munster, outgoing MEP Kathy Sinnott, has lost her seat in Brussels.
The two independents had worked closely on a range of issues, particularly in the setting up of a special interest group for carers in the European Parliament.
“Kathy and myself didn’t always agree on everything, but she was a very, very hardworking MEP,” said Ms Harkin.
Kathy Sinnott’s failure to retain her spot in Europe leaves Marian Harkin as the only Independent Irish MEP.
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June 12th2009
Colm Burke
Via Eurolink
The shock of unemployment is no different for a politician than it is for any other worker who loses their job, and outgoing MEPs Colm Burke and Kathy Sinnott were still reeling from the recent elections when contacted by Eurolink this week.
Despite widespread recognition as two of the most hardworking Irish MEPs, they failed to retain their seats in the European Parliament in the face of overwhelming competition from Fine Gael favourite Sean Kelly and Labour poster boy Alan Kelly.
But these workaholics are unlikely to be idle for long. “It’s hard to do nothing when you’re used to working 100 hours a week, but I wasn’t in Europe long enough to claim a pension so I’ll have to join the unemployment queue,” said Colm Burke.
The former Lord Mayor of Cork has ruled out running in the next general election, but says he may resume his legal practice part time. He’s also committed to helping Fine Gael promote the Lisbon Treaty ahead of a second referendum. Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »
June 11th2009
Colm Burke
FORMER MEP for Ireland South, Colm Burke has thanked his friends and supporters in the recent election campaign.
Mr Burke who was co-opted to replaced Simon Coveney in 2007 failed to retain the seat with new Fine Gael candidate, former GAA president, Sean Kelly the only Fine Gael candidate elected.
Criticism has been levelled at the Fine Gael leadership for running a “celebrity” candidate in Ireland South where Mr Burke was widely regarded as a hard working and effective MEP.
In a statement today, Mr Burke said, “I am very disappointed that the outcome of the European Parliament election in Ireland South has not allowed me to continue the work for the constituency that I commenced in June 2007.
“What has greatly heartened me in the immediate aftermath of the election has been the support and the selfless commitment that I was given by my campaign team at all levels, by the officers and members of Fine Gael Branches and by the members of my family.
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June 8th2009
Toireasa Ferris
SPEAKING from the count centre for the European elections at Neptune Stadium in Cork, Sinn Féin candidate Toiréasa Ferris, thanked voters, activists and supporters who she said “made this such a vibrant campaign”.
Cllr Ferris said, “From my heart I wish thank all those thousands of people who voted for me and of course the activists and supporters who helped make this such a vibrant campaign”.
She added, “I campaigned from the start on the issue of jobs and the need for the Government to abandon its disastrous policies and take the question of job creation seriously.
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June 8th2009
SPEAKING from the Cork count centre for the European Elections, Sinn Féin candidate Toiréasa Ferris thanked those involved in the counting process and wished the three successful candidates well after what was a protracted count. Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »
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