This is one of a series blogs by new TDs to encourage an active debate between political representatives, EAPN Ireland members, and the broader public on the future of the European Social Agenda, and the role of the new Dáil in debate on Europe.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn is a Sinn Féin TD for Donegal North East. He was elected to the Dáil for the first time in 2011 and is the Sinn Féin spokesperson on European Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Trade
Current EU economic strategies are driving more and more people within the European Union into poverty. It is estimated that eight per cent of working European citizens are now at risk. The privatisation of public services, the free market and de-regulation have all contributed to bringing Europeto the edge.
The European project is being undermined by right-wing policies which are impoverishing more and more people. Wages are being driven down. Job security is being undermined and welfare and social benefits are being attacked.
The debt problem is pan-European and requires a European response. The impact of deep austerity combined with the lack of a major investment plan will clearly negatively impact on growth across Europe.
Sinn Féin advocates a policy of critical but constructive engagement with Europe. However, because the EU has become a dominant force in the political, economic and social life of this State, we must support or oppose each of the EU’s complex developments on its own merit.
We have consistently supported EU measures that promote and enhance human rights, equality and the all-Ireland agenda. These measures are an example of the EU at its best. But we have also never been afraid to stand up against EU measures that damage Irish interests.
Now, more than ever, is the time to stand up for these ideals.
We want to build a Europe of Equals – a true partnership of equal sovereign states that co-operate in the social and economic development of Europe and beyond. We want an EU that promotes peace, demilitarisation and nuclear disarmament. We want a Europe that seeks a just resolution of conflicts under the leadership of a reformed, renewed and democratised United Nations. Ultimately, we want a United Ireland that will take its rightful place and play an active role in such a reformed EU.
Consistent with our republican agenda at home, Sinn Féin’s Agenda for Change at EU level involves actively campaigning for:
- an independent Ireland of Equals in an EU of Equals
- an EU that respects and promotes national, collective and individual rights (including human, political, social, cultural and economic rights)
- an economically and socially just EU, not an EU that is merely another economic superpower
- a demilitarised and nuclear-free EU
- a globally responsible, fair-trading EU that leads the way on reaching the Millennium Development Goals for halving global poverty by 2015.
Unfortunately, in the name of fiscal restraint, the EU has adopted economic policies that now threaten the European social model, the democratic power of national parliaments, and the bond of mutual respect that must endure among member states. They are imposing severe austerity on weaker member states such as Ireland, Portugal and Greece which will push even more families into poverty and block any chance of economic recovery.
Worse than this our European partners will profit as much as €10 billion as a result of a 3% surcharge on their loans toIreland under the terms of the EU/IMF austerity programme. Not only does this surcharge contribute to what is an already unsustainable debt level, but will starve the Irish government of much needed resources for job creation, public service provision and anti-poverty programmes.
These are not the actions of partners acting in solidarity with one another.
The EU mandarins appear to have learned little from the defeat of the proposed EU constitution in referenda across Europe only a few years back. And they ignore the wishes of their people at great risk. People across Europe are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the nature of a project that is being carried out against their wishes. They, like Sinn Fein, want to see a Europe of Equals that is grounded in mutual respect.
We have always been told that the foundation of the European project is solidarity. The lesson from the recent austerity programmes in Greece, Ireland and Portugal is that solidarity amongst the EU “partners” is now in short supply. Unless real solidarity and partnership soon replaces harsh and punishing austerity, the damage to the European project may be irreparable.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
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