World’s poor have a stake in our Euro poll

TODAY we have the opportunity to elect the 12 Irish members of the European Parliament. Despite growing apathy towards the elections and antipathy towards politicians, we should remember the world’s poorest people have many reasons to care about the outcome of the vote.

The MEPs we elect will play an important part in shaping Ireland’s and Europe’s approaches to some major international issues, ranging from global climate change negotiations to global trade rules and the international response to the global economic crisis. Issues that to date have been shaped by rich countries, while profoundly affecting the billions of people who live in the world’s poorer countries.

And Irish citizens know the power of the European parliament to help set the framework for our common future. Statistics show Irish residents are among the most active EU citizens raising issues with their European representatives. Among the subjects most frequently raised by Irish people are human rights, EU foreign policy, trade policy, overseas aid and the fight against all forms of discrimination.