Europe vote is our say in making better world

We recently marked Europe Day, and on May 23 we will vote on 11 Irish members of the European Parliament, who will determine not just Europe’s policy towards Ireland, but Ireland’s response to international issues such as climate change, trade and energy.

The choices we make will influence us, the rest of Europe and the global community.

And we will make these choices about our future in a year in which we are also remembering our past: 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, the 20th anniversary of the start of Nelson Mandela’s presidency, and the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Each of these events reminds us of the importance of our right as citizens to have a say in our own future.

And still, today, millions of people do not have a say in the policies that affect them. Not because they do not have a vote, but because decisions made in the West, about trade, climate, migration and agriculture, rob them of a fair chance to a life in dignity.

On May 23, we can use our voice and our vote to choose a better future for ourselves, and for all those without a say, too.

Hans Zomer

1-2 Baggot Court

Dublin 2