This article is from page 83 of the 2009-05-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 83 JPG
“EFFECTIVELY all we are being promised is more of the same but Il do it a bit better.”
This 1s how Clare’s only candidate in the Ireland North West European Election appraised the other candi- dates in the field.
Scariff man Michael McNamara, is critical of the lack of ideas and debate surrounding the European elections, the economy and the local elections.
The barrister and farmer, admits he is coming to the European race a little late and has a huge challenge to overcome as an Independent can- didate, but is determined to open up the debate on Europe, Ireland’s place in Europe and the future of Govern- ment in Ireland.
Asked why he has put his name forward in the three-seat constitu- ency, which is made up of counties from every province in Ireland, Mr McNamara said, “Because I have to. I believe there is complete disil- lusionment in Ireland with National politics. A change in Government will not change that but a change in
governance.
‘There is a danger because of disil- lusionment people will reject the Eu- ropean Project as a protest. I believe that is why a lot of people voted No to the Lisbon Treaty.
“The problem with European law is not how it is made in Europe but how it is applied in Ireland.”
He gave the example of the contro- versial water and nitrates directives.
Mr McNamara said that Irish farm- ers are being forced to spread slurry in waterlogged fields before October Ry
In Northern Ireland, the British government secured derogation, so farmers have until January | to com- OC Kom CUM EAL ©
Both sets of farmers are working on the same island and in the same climate, yet the Irish Government failed farmers south of the border in this regard, he maintains.
Mr McNamara also believes in strengthening the local authorities, but maintains we do not need as many councillors or councils as we presently have in Ireland.
The Clare man began his cam- paigning last weekend.