Senator Niall Blaney promises a positive campaign for Europe

Fianna Fail candidate Senator Niall Blaney is promising to fight a positive campaign to win a seat in the European Parliament in June.

In the early stages of the campaign in the Midlands-North West constituency, Senator Blaney said he would focus on the wide range of issues and not the personalities in the contest.

Senator Blaney, supported by a strong team, said he would run an unrelenting and tireless campaign in the 15-county constituency.

“Our effort will be characterised by energy and drive to reach as many people as possible in Midlands-North West,” he said. “It will be a positive campaign as, frankly, voters want to hear what I can offer them and their families and are switched off by unproductive shouting matches.

“There is no place in this election on 7th June for mudslinging and negativity. My attention will be devoted entirely to the issues that affect us all, day and daily. These issues include the need to end the unfair allocation of resources to tackle chronic under-investment in our roads and rail infrastructure.

“We cannot and must not be side-lined in the share-out of funds to do what’s needed to create balance to regional development.

Farming sustains the Midlands-North West, but too often our young people leave for opportunities elsewhere. A more sympathetic planning system is required to make it easier for the offspring of rural Irish families to stay at home. Too often, planning stands in the way of allowing children to build on family land and that leads to a brain drain where rural Ireland and the family are the big losers.

“A significant issue in this election is immigration,” Senator Blaney added.”Thousands of newcomers are in the constituency, victims of brutal wars and oppression. We rely heavily on immigrants in our health service, tourism and other areas. But such is the level of the influx that towns and cities in this constituency are at bursting point, particularly when it comes to accessing health and education services.

“We simply haven’t the capacity to cope. Those here who are performing vital roles, and who have arrived legitimately with the approval of the State, I say you’re most welcome. Many refugees are unable to work and want to gain employment. The rules are unnecessarily harsh and have to change.

“There’s another group who’ve arrived here illegally and are a burden on Irish taxpayers. They have to be told they cannot remain in Ireland.

“In Midlands-North West, we have an opportunity to elect a Fianna Fail MEP for the first time in ten years. I am asking voters to correct that situation by voting for me and then transferring to my running mates, Senator Lisa Chambers and Barry Cowen TD.”