PRESS RELEASE: 15/05/2009
Independent Euro Candidate Patricia McKenna Launches Election Campaign
A voice independent of the government and political establishment will ensure our decision makers are held accountable. It’s time to hold the politicians to account and make them keep their promises.
The former Green MEP, Patricia McKenna, who recently quit the Green Party over its policy direction in Government, launched her election campaign in Dublin today. McKenna, who is contesting the Dublin constituency as an Independent candidate, said: “This campaign has twelve key policy areas, but will focus primarily on giving a voice to the voiceless. If elected to the European Parliament, I intend to use my mandate to assist the many grassroots organisations that have been campaigning on vital issues of national importance, with little or no support from the established parties.”
She went on to say: “I have ten years experience in the European Parliament and I know how the system works. This experience has shown me that one of the most valuable functions an MEP can provide is a voice for the voiceless. Now more than ever people need a strong voice independent of the Government and political establishment to speak out on their behalf and to hold the decision makers accountable for their actions, broken promises and failed policies.”
(See also: Patricia announces her candidature for the European Elections - 7 May 2009)
McKenna asserted: “I will be appealing to all voters across the political divide, irrespective of their party allegiance, to support my efforts to provide that much needed voice. As an independent campaign with no big financial backers, this campaign will be the least expensive, relying to a large extent on people's desire for change.”
McKenna was accompanied by two of her substitute candidates – required by law to replace a deceased or retiring MEP. Robert Ballagh, one of Ireland’s best-know artists and prominent human rights and social justice campaigner, said: “I have known Patricia McKenna for over twenty years as a friend and through various campaigns. I believe she is the best candidate by far in the Dublin constituency." Professor John Maguire of UCC, an author on Peace, Neutrality and the EU and a member of the board of Afri, stated: “We were all very disappointed that Patricia lost here seat in 2004 and I hope that that result will be reversed this time."
“I am privileged to have such an extremely impressive lists of substitute candidates. If I am fortunate enough to succeed in this campaign, the voters can rest assured in the knowledge that, should the need arise, those replacing me have a long track record of voluntary public service and have all championed just and deserving causes on behalf of ordinary people”, McKenna said.
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16/05/2009 15:44 
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