MEP Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, visited Dublin yesterday for a meeting with Michael Collins TD, Leader of Independent Ireland. The discussions covered a wide range of critical issues, including Independent Ireland’s firm opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, the country’s policy of military neutrality, and key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and regional development.
Speaking after the meeting, Michael Collins praised the engagement with MEP Hayer and highlighted the ongoing work of Independent Ireland to strengthen its presence in the European Parliament.
“I was delighted to welcome MEP Valérie Hayer to the Dáil today for a positive and productive discussion on issues that are vital to Ireland’s future. We reiterated our opposition to the Mercosur deal, which poses a serious threat to Irish agriculture. We discussed the need for a pragmatic and common sense approach to climate targets and that the green policies implemented over that course of the last government put serious pressure on farmers and those people struggling with the cost of living crisis. Regional development, particularly in rural Ireland, remains a key focus for us as we work to ensure sustainable growth and fair opportunities for all. I also raised concerns about the plight of Irish fishers and the serious concerns we had in relation to the ability for Irish fishermen to fish in Irish waters along with the need to get a better deal for our fishing industry” Collins said.
During the meeting, Collins also emphasised the crucial role played by Independent Ireland’s MEP, Ciaran Mullooly, in representing Irish interests in Brussels. Looking ahead to the next European elections, he set out the party’s ambitious goal of increasing its representation in the European Parliament.
“Our goal is clear: we are working towards electing three MEPs in the next European elections. The groundwork starts now, with our first priority being the re-election of Ciaran Mullooly in the Midlands-North West constituency. We are also targeting the election of Independent Ireland MEPs in both the Ireland South and Dublin constituencies. The people of Ireland deserve strong, common sense voices in Europe who will stand up for our values and fight for our communities,” Collins stated.
Ciaran Mulooly MEP speaking on the important meeting said: “As President of the Renew group in the European parliament Valerie Hayer holds a key strategic position in influencing of the parliament policy at a crucial time in our history – the geopolitical landscape is now very much on a knife edge and I welcome the fact that Valerie has come to Dublin to hear the views of our party at this critical time. I look forward to continued positive engagement with MEP Hayer and our other European colleagues as we navigate the weeks and months ahead”
Deputy Collins concluded by expressing his eagerness to welcome MEP Hayer back to Ireland in the near future, to continue working towards positive and practical solutions for the people of Ireland.
