SF's McDonald shortlisted for MEP of year award

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald has become the first Irish politician to be shortlisted for the title of MEP of the Year, the party said today.

The prestigious annual award has been running since 2005.

MEPs vote for the most capable parliamentarians in ten categories, ranging from health, environment and employment, to education and energy.

Ms McDonald has been shortlisted in the employment category.

Speaking from Strasbourg, she said: “I am delighted that the hard work myself and my team have been doing in the field of employment and workers’ rights is recognised.”

The Dublin native is up against tough competition from German socialist Evelyne Gebhardt, who has worked as an MEP for 13 years.

She is best known for her role in shaping the controversial Services Directive - aimed at opening up Europe’s services sector to cross-border competition - that was agreed by Parliament in March last year.

She also faces Liz Lynne, who worked for the European Liberal Democrats on various employment agreements.

Ms McDonald has a background in trade unions and was elected to the European Parliament in 2004.

She has also worked on a number of employment-related projects at European level.

Voting by all MEPs for the award takes place in September and the results will be announced at the Brussels Renaissance Hotel on Tuesday, October 9.