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MAGINNESS - TIME FOR CHANGE AT HOME AND IN EUROPE SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness has been selected as the party candidate for next years European Election. Speaking after accepting the nomination in the Wellington Park Hotel this morning Mr Maginness stated: “It is a privilege and an honour to be the SDLP candidate for the forthcoming European Election. As a party of vision and delivery, we have always believed that Europe can deliver positive results for people in the North. We used our influence and ability to benefit all the people we represented in Europe. Until recent times, Europe was seen as an example of how local politicians could work together for the common good. It was a symbol of hope in the darkest days. But what have we today, both in politics within Northern Ireland and in our European participation? The message of hope has been replaced by a counsel of cynicism. The European ideal has been attacked by those whose stock in trade is suspicion and division. Our three representatives in Europe have become detached from the people that they are supposed to serve. The promises they made four years ago have come to nothing. They have not delivered. They have not built on or used the positive influence built by John Hume and the SDLP over 25 years in Brussels. They had a template for unparalleled success and delivery and yet they chose to ignore it. They have wasted John Hume’s legacy on which so much more could have been built. Jim Allister has used his European seat, not to talk about European issues or objectives or policies, he has used it to build a platform for himself based on division, fomenting distrust, and encouraging instability. Sinn Fein have shown their disdain for Europe by using it only for publicity and photo shoots. No substance and no delivery. People are right to have become cynical and distrustful. They are right to ask what has been done for them. I share those concerns, I share that disappointment. The needs of the community have come second to the self aggrandisement of one MEP and the virtual disappearance of the other two. It is clearly time for a change. Do we want four more years of the same stalemate? For everyone in the North, Europe directly affects the way we live and work. For our farmers, our voluntary sector, for community development, and our small businesses. On crucial issues affecting the global economy, the local economy, global warming, local climate change, pollution, protection, and conservation. All of these issues demand our attention. We cannot afford to continue disconnecting from Europe. Decisions that affect our future will be made there. We need representation that will influence when possible and challenge when necessary. We do not have that now. The SDLP, as integral members of the Party of European Socialists, have that influence, that voting power, and the consistent voice required, not only to deliver from Europe, but to protect from some of its excesses. Both in Europe and here at home it is becoming increasingly clear that the DUP and Sinn Fein have not got answers to the pressing problems this society faces. Their continual process politics is stunting growth and limiting opportunity for thousands of people across Ireland. Stuck practicing the politics of the past, the last year shows that neither of these parties have the solutions to the problems of today or tomorrow. They have bottled or long fingered every major decision they have faced. There has not been an Executive meeting in over three months. Decisions on water, education, and rural planning have all been delayed. At a time of economic crisis and soaring fuel prices the DUP and Sinn Fein have wantonly ignored the seriousness of the situation. They have used the good will and honestly given mandate of hundreds of thousands of people to follow their own narrow political agendas. Do we want more of the same stalemate? The European Election will be the first election for people to cast their judgement on both these parties’ performances. We can send a strong message to both the DUP and Sinn Fein that we are no longer willing to wait for them and that we cannot afford to wait for them. The problems are stacking up alongside the ever increasing bills. Action not rhetoric is required. Standing strong for the people we represent not simply strutting along in the same old ways is the only way to make a difference to peoples lives and livelihoods. It is time for fresh thinking. The SDLP have always been the party of ideas and the party of ideals, both at home and in Europe. When the SDLP has been strong progress has been made, both at home and in Europe. The SDLP wants to move forward, both at home and in Europe. By voting for and re-electing the SDLP to the European Parliament we can send out the strongest possible message that the direction we are headed, both at home and in Europe, is the wrong one. Sinn Fein and the DUP are not working at home. They are not working in Europe. It is time for a change.”
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