SINN Féin Senator Paul Gavan has been selected to contest the Ireland South constituency in the European elections next year.
The Castleconnell-based politician has served as a senator since 2016. He is the only current Opposition member to have steered two Bills successfully through all stages of the Seanad, which includes a bill on the protection of employee tips and the introduction of safe access zones. Government subsequently introduced legislation in line with the aims of both bills introduced by Senator Gavan.
The Limerick senator also served as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for the past six years, during which time he was appointed rapporteur by the assembly on two reports on the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, and was also elected as vice president of the Committee on Migration, Refugees, and Displaced Persons.
Following his selection, Senator Gavan commented: “We need to see new representation for Ireland South in the EU. I want to be part of a Sinn Féin team that will deliver change by campaigning for a Europe that supports investment in public services and communities, advances workers rights, protects our environment, and is a voice for social justice both at home and throughout the world.”
The European Union, Gavan believes, is at a crossroads and a transformed EU is needed that is about building “a better future for all, not just the few”.
“This ambitious vision cannot be achieved by an EU that remains focused on militarisation, deregulation, and privatisation, and that is driven by a neo-liberal ideology that continues to dominate the outlook of the European political groups,” he said.
