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 12th2009
Alan Kelly
Via Eurolink
IT was a proud moment for the Labour Party to see three of its Irish members elected to the European Parliament this month, but Ireland South MEP Alan Kelly confesses his initial reaction when he knew he had won a seat was one of overwhelming relief.
“It was a tight affair, and I was up against an extremely strong field that included sitting MEPs and high profile candidates from large population hubs, so I was very proud and honoured to come out on top,” said the 33-year old senator as he relaxed at his home in Portroe, Tipperary after a gruelling 12 week campaign.
Mr Kelly will be heading off to Brussels this week with two Labour colleagues – veteran MEP Proinsias de Rossa in Dublin and Nessa Childers in the East, a newcomer like himself.
Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »
May 30th2009
TODAY’S Irish Times /TNS mrbi poll indicates a close race for seats in the Ireland South Euro constituency in the upcoming election.
The figures, which are part of a wider poll published in today’s Irish Times show that Fianna Fáil’s Brian Crowley maintains his huge personal popularity as he is way out in front on 30 per cent, but after Crowley there is a real dogfight for seats.
Mr Crowley’s running mate, Cork East TD Ned O’Keeffe looks to be out of the race completely on just four per cent while Fine Gael’s front-runner is former GAA President, Sean Kelly who is showing at 16 per cent.
Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »
May 14th2009
Pictured at the debate at the Imperial Hotel are Toireasa Ferris, Colm Burke, Eamonn Meehan, Kathy Sinnott and Dan Boyle. Picture: Mike English
IRELAND South Euro candidates took part in a public debate hosted by in Cork yesterday. The debate entitled “Making Europe work for Development” provided an opportunity for voters to question local candidates on how, if elected, they would work within the EU to tackle global poverty.
During the event Trocaire outlined to prospective MEPs the six key issues it says must be addressed to end poverty in the developing world.
Eamonn Meehan, Deputy Director of Trocaire commented, “Trocaire is calling on Ireland’s European representatives, when elected to tackle global poverty at European level. Every year six million children under five die from hunger. However, given the economic collapse a recent UN report is predicting things will get even worse.
“Now is the time for Europe to support the developing world in practical and meaningful ways to alleviate their suffering and allow them to get the justice and equal rights they deserve.”
Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »
May 13th2009
EUROPEAN parliament candidates failed to impress Newstalk’s judges this week when they battled it out to compete in a European themed quiz aimed at children. Read the FULL STORY or leave a COMMENT »
Politics is all about opinions. Soap Box gives political figures their chance
to have their say on Corkpolitics.ie and gives you, the reader, your chance to
tell them what you think. 
