Cowen warns voters against anti-Europe candidates

Voting for anti-Europe candidates could lose more jobs and isolate Ireland within the EU, Taoiseach Brian Cowen warned today.

Launching his European Parliament candidates, the Fianna Fáil leader vowed the party will fight for every seat in every constituency despite its disastrous opinion poll ratings.

Mr Cowen said putting the best MEPs in Brussels was more important than ever given the economic challenges facing Ireland and the EU in the years ahead.

The TD warned that support for anti-Europe groups would hurt Irish jobs, damage agriculture and hinder enterprise and inward investment.

Libertas and Sinn Féin were heavily criticised for the role they played in the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum soon after Mr Cowen became Taoiseach last year.

“It is vital that our country stays pro-European,” said Mr Cowen today.

“We must not join with those forces working against the EU by pushing an isolationist approach.”

He added: “There is no doubt that a vote for anti-EU candidates in this election is against Irish interests.

“It can only hurt Irish jobs, damage Irish agriculture, hinder Irish enterprise, and jeopardise inward investment which has been an cornerstone to our economic development.”

The Taoiseach said his party will fight for every vote and every seat across the country.

“Every electoral area will be a contest in its own right,” he explained.

Eoin Ryan, Brian Crowley and Liam Aylward are Fianna Fáil’s outgoing MEPs in the list of eight candidates that also includes Eibhlin Byrne in Dublin, Thomas Byrne in East, Pat the Cope Gallagher and Paschal Mooney in North West and Ned O’Keeffe in South.

“These are people who have proven ability and have the capacity to give quality representation to people in Europe,” Mr Cowen added.

He claimed Fianna Fáil MEPs would take the lead in reform of the EU’s institutions to make them more relevant to citizens and promote action on issues such as climate change and energy security.“

The party will be fighting the election under the slogan: “Europe: We are Better Working Together.”