Press Statement - 7th May 2009

Statement by Patricia McKenna announcing her candidature for the European Elections

After serous consideration I have decided to put my name forward to run as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming European Parliament elections in June. The need for a strong voice independent of the government and political establishment is essential particularly when one considers that nearly 80% of our laws start in Brussels and are drafted and fine-tuned by thousands of unknown expert groups. Well funded lobbyists have huge influence. We must be kept informed about these laws before they are agreed - good or bad we have a right to know.

I have ten years experience in the European Parliament during which time I have had a number of major achievements across a wide range of issues including transparency, the environment, animal welfare, development, fisheries, human rights and disability, disability. During my time in Europe I have also been to the fore in pushing for Ireland’s compliance with EU environmental laws.  This issue is now more important than ever. With a number of EU legal cases pending we still have some way to go to catch up with other member states. In particular the Habitats and Environmental Impact Assessment directives which need to be fully complied with. My ten years experience (1994 – 2004) on the European Parliament’s Environment Committee will be invaluable in helping to achieve this goal. We need a strong voice Independent of Government to push for full enforcement.

The electorate has given me a strong mandate on previous occasions being elected twice to the European Parliament. I believe that that strong mandate is still there and that issue which I have pursued and which are deemed unacceptable to the establishment still resonate and are still important to the electorate. I would like the opportunity to represent them once again. Because now more than ever people need a voice that is independent of the Government and political establishment to try and ensure our decision makers in Brussels are held accountable.

This decision was not taken lightly and quitting the Green Party, after so many years was one of the most painful decisions I have ever had to make.  I genuinely regret having to leave the party and the many fine friends I have made over the years. I acknowledge and thank them for their support over the years particularly at difficult times. I am extremely grateful for the strong support I received during the leadership contest, election to the National Executive Committee and the internal Lisbon Treaty debate.  I know many members have shown a lot of faith and confidence in me and I sincerely hope that my decision to leave will be accepted for what it is – a genuine desire to move on politically contributing in a positive way to the political future of this State. Remaining within the party and complaining about its new direction was clearly an unproductive use of energy. However, I firmly believe that I am doing the right thing and that my role in political life can be more productive and rewarding outside of the Green Party where I will have the freedom to continue pursuing the key policy issue that put the Green Party on the political map in Ireland.

There is no doubt that change is coming. I not only want to be a part of that change but I want to help make it happen sooner rather than later.   What the greens are doing now, in propping up this government, is wrong.  This Government is out of touch and does not have the confidence of the general public and the desire for a new government with a strong mandate to tackle the current economic crisis is undeniable.

A full launch of the campaign takes place next week. Further information 087 2427049