MEP's should promote Ireland's business interests - CCI

Irish candidates in the European elections are to be asked to set out their business agenda by the Chamber of Commerce of Ireland (CCI).

CCI's campaign is being rolled out as part of a Europe-wide campaign organised by Eurochambres, the association of European chambers of commerce, of which CCI is a member.

Among the issues it wants MEPs to fight for include recognising that SMEs are the lifeblood of the European Economy, achieving the Lisbon goal of making the EU the most competitive knowledge-based and dynamic economy by 2010, and focus on improving the quality of business legislation.

The CCI also wants Ireland's MEP's to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and investment within the EU, appoint a European Commission that is focused on the need for enhanced competitiveness and better governance, and insist on effective consultation of the business community on all matters affecting the economy.

CCI President Mark Staunton said today: "It is vital to the interests of Irish business that the newly enlarged EU succeeds as a competitive and growing economy and so business wants to see a European Parliament that acts to deliver a more competitive economy, creating jobs and wealth and grounded in security and stability across the continent.

"We strongly believe that the new European Parliament must re-focus on the economy. It must champion growth and competitiveness."