awinforalban - ulster university · 4 whenwewin,youwin sdlpeuropeanmanifesto2009 message fromalban...

A win for AlbanMaginness will be awin for us all

The European election on Thursday 4 June is about youand your future. Europe is having an ever-greater impact onall our lives. That’s why the North needs an MEP who will beable to have an impact in Europe for us all. With the globaleconomic downturn taking a severe toll in Northern Ireland, itis crucial that we have a strong, effective voice in theEuropean Parliament.

Alban Maginness is the only candidate who can deliver foryou, because the SDLP is the only major party in the Norththat is pro-Europe. Our membership of the Party ofEuropean Socialists gives us real influence at the very heartof Europe. We used that influence to deliver results for you inthe past – and we will again.

In this manifesto, we set out an ambitious agenda for youin Europe. We pledge to represent your interests effectivelyand to fight for your needs tirelessly. Complementing thedynamic proposals the SDLP has put forward to tackle thedownturn in the North and throughout the island of Ireland,this manifesto is a charter for radical action. It is a roadmapto greater prosperity, true equality and opportunity for all. Asyour MEP, Alban Maginness will be a vigorous champion ofyour rights, aspirations and hopes for the future.

This election must not become a sectarian vanity contest.Other parties will want it to be all about who will emerge astop-dog. That’s because they have no record in Europe torun on or no positive agenda for the future. The bottom lineis that they have failed to deliver – and have let you down.And that’s not just in Europe. In the Executive, the record ofthe two main parties falls far short of what you need anddeserve.

The SDLP always puts the best interests of the people weserve first. When we win, you win. A win for Alban Maginnesswill be a win for us all.

Mark Durkan MP MLASDLP Leader WHEN WE WIN, YOU WIN 3

SDLP European Manifesto 2009

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4 WHEN WE WIN, YOU WIN


Messagefrom AlbanMaginness

The election to the EuropeanParliament on Thursday 4 Junetakes place against a backdrop of

global economic recession, instabilityand uncertainty. The downturn is exertinga severe toll in Northern Ireland.Thousands have already lost their jobs,with worse likely still to come. Firms andfamilies are struggling to make endsmeet. People are worrying about whatthe future holds.

Over the last few months, I havetravelled throughout the North. I havelistened intently to people's concerns. Ihave also found inspiration in theaspirations they have for themselves,their families, their communities and thiscountry.

This manifesto sets out how the SDLPwill work to ensure that people's besthopes and highest ambitions are fulfilled.It is the programme of work that I pledgeto deliver if you elect me to serve you inEurope. I give you my word: your needswill be my priority.

As your MEP, I will work tirelessly toensure that our region will be at theforefront of economic recovery and thatpositive initiatives to help workersthrough the worst of the downturn aredelivered. I will champion the needs ofsmall and medium sized businesses bycampaigning for an EU Commissionerwho will eliminate red tape. In addition, Iwill push for new regulation for the wholefinancial sector, including hedge fundsand private equity.

Huge opportunities exist to grow our'green' technologies and I believe thatrural communities can and must benefitsignificantly from ambitious investment inthis sector. By developing our indigenousrenewable industry we can help to drivedown energy costs and contributepositively towards radical global climate

change targets. I will fight for a fair dealfor our farmers during negotiations onCAP reform and for a better future for ourfishermen and coastal communities.

I will also support vital and valuedcommunity and voluntary organisations byensuring that the Executive fully deliversthe PEACE III funding programme.

The SDLP has consistently supportedthe Lisbon Treaty because we believe itprovides for more transparent decision-making and better representation of yourinterests in Europe. Now more than ever,Northern Ireland needs a strong, crediblepro-Europe voice at the very heart ofEurope. Global recession demandsinternational, not insular, responses. Weneed to be outward-looking and forward-thinking.

The SDLP is the only major partyoffering that positive platform to voters inthis election. Our membership of theParty of European Socialists - a powerfulgrouping of social democratic and labourparties from across Europe - gives usreal influence where it matters. You knowwe used that influence to deliver for youin the past when John Hume was ourMEP. We want to deliver for you again.

Northern Ireland can emerge from thecurrent downturn with genuine hope forprosperity in the future. To ensure thatwe do, it is vital that your voice is heardand listened to in Europe. Our best daysare yet to come. After five years of losingin Europe, it's time for us all to win again.

Alban Maginness MLA


STRIVING TOWARDS FINANCIALSTABILITY AND ECONOMICGROWTH

The world has changed dramaticallysince the last European election. Theeconomic crisis is hitting economies,businesses, workers, families andcitizens all over Europe hard. Thefundamental failures of the economicsystem that persisted over recentdecades are undeniable: anunregulated global financial market thathistorically sacrificed long terminvestment, jobs, wages and thegeneral wellbeing of the planet and itspeople for the benefit of a few.

This economic crisis must be tackledon all fronts: international, European,national and local. If the European Unionis serious about relaunching the globaleconomy, then we need to end taxavoidance, curb excessive pay and bringin new regulation for the whole financialsector including hedge funds and privateequity. Just as Europe must pull itsweight alongside the USA, China andJapan in countering this recession, allpolitical parties at the local level mustalso step up to the challenge.

The SDLP is part of the Party ofEuropean Socialists (PES), a unitedgroup of social democratic and labourparties and one of the largest and mostpowerful groupings in the EuropeanParliament. That gives us real influenceat the heart of Europe. Influence toreform the financial markets, counteractthe recession and prepare our localeconomy to create new jobs and growth.

The SDLP has strong policies and hasused our influence in Europe to deliverfor Northern Ireland in the past. And wewill do so again.

Locally, the SDLP launched a radicaldocument, New Priorities in DifficultTimes: Supporting the Northern IrelandEconomy. This paper outlines measuresto support our economy and identifiesways in which money can be found tofund them.

Beidh an SDLP, mar bhall de PES,chomh láidir céanna inár gcuspóirí agusinár gcuid machnaimh shamhlaíoch saPhairlimint Eorpach agus a bhíomar

anseo sa Tionól.As a member of the PES, the SDLP

will be as bold in purpose andimaginative in thought in the EuropeanParliament as we have been here in theAssembly.

OUR COMMITMENT TO A'GREEN' ECONOMY

Policy-makers throughout Europe andbeyond have thrown their support behindcreating more 'green collar' jobs andincreasing 'green' investments to counterthe present downturn. For the SDLP, inthese difficult economic times it simply

Economic prosperity, employment and anew social Europe

WHEN WE WIN, YOU WIN 5




makes good long term economic senseto use our unique natural resources tosupport the creation and development ofindustries in the North that create morejobs and play a role in managing climatechange.

With ingenuity and industry, we canbuild a strong recovery plan with acoordinated investment in jobs and greengrowth at its centre.

Today, Northern Ireland imports 97% ofour energy. This is neither desirable nor

sustainable. Consumers in the Northshould not be at the mercy of fluctuatinginternational oil prices. If we had theinfrastructure in place, Ireland couldbecome a huge exporter of electricity tomainland Europe. The technology toproduce such power already exists,although it is still relatively expensive andtime consuming in terms of installation,plus the planning system is slow andlaborious as far as these projects areconcerned.

However, there is little doubt that windor tidal power as alternative renewableenergy technologies are significantbreakthroughs for Ireland and oureconomy North and South. Themanufacture of such technologies couldprovide hundreds of jobs for peopleacross Ireland. Building and servicingsuch plants will provide more work, whilegenerating and transmitting the electricitywill provide further employment as wellas permanent and valuable revenue forboth governments.

Clearly, all of this requires massivefinancial investment, probably with Stateintervention, as the amounts involved willbe huge. Nonetheless, in the long term,this is undoubtedly the best option for ourisland. The SDLP will work in theEuropean Parliament to push policy-makers to take the lead in promoting andcoordinating national policies in supportof a green economy as a central pillar toour response to the economic crisis.BENEFITING FROM EUROPE IN ATIME OF ECONOMIC CRISIS

In presenting its Northern Ireland TaskForce report , the European Commissionencouraged Northern Ireland to reapmaximum benefits from the EU supportwe can expect to receive until 2013. Thereport is also an invitation to developnew ideas and strategies to help ourlocal economy survive the downturn andprepare for renewed growth when ithappens.

In Europe, the SDLP will provide clearleadership to develop new solutions toensure Northern Ireland harnesses thegoodwill in Europe towards this region.We must capitalise on all possibilitiesand opportunities to boost our economy.

“The green economy is a central pillarto economic recovery”



WHEN WE WIN, YOU WIN

For example, the SDLP will argue thecase in Europe for stronger regionaldiscretion in the area of state aid toensure our economy remainscompetitive. We will ensure seriousconsideration is given to proposalsaimed at reinvigorating this island'seconomy to benefit our workers andsmall businesses in construction andother key sectors.

In the Task Force report, theCommission encouraged NorthernIreland to increase our participation in

R&D projects under the EU's 7thFramework Programme. If our economyis to keep up with high-skilled researchand development-led economies, weneed a number of joined-up initiativesthat don't solely rely on EU financial aid.

To this end, the SDLP proposesexpanding the high-speed broadbandnetwork. While we realise there is a hugecost involved in ensuring the whole ofNorthern Ireland (particularly our ruralareas) gains access to high-speedbroadband, we believe the NI Executive

should commit to a long term target ofmeeting that challenge.

We also want to see Northern Irelandspecifically represented in the cabinet ofthe Regional DevelopmentCommissioner with immediate effect.SUPPORTING OUR SMEs

Nearly every business begins as asmall enterprise serving local markets.With ambitious management and theright help, SMEs (small and mediumsized enterprises) can become majoremployers. The SDLP is ambitious forthe expansion and growth of our SMEsinto international markets, since webelieve that today's SMEs aretomorrow's major employers.

Underpinning work on the InternalMarket, the preparation of a renewedLisbon Strategy will be high on the EUinstitutions' agenda, in view of itsplanned adoption at the Spring Summitin 2010. Priorities in this area must bethe promotion of environmentally-friendlygrowth and reduced bureaucracy forSMEs. The SDLP and the PES supportthese objectives.

Although the initial goal of becoming“the world's most competitive anddynamic knowledge-based economy” by2010 may now seem out of reach, thereview of the Lisbon Strategy will onceagain be an opportunity to influenceEurope's competitiveness in a difficulteconomic environment. The SDLP willpromote small business growth locally asa key part of our strategy to create ahigh-wage, high-skill economy in theNorth and integrate it into ever-growingNorth-South opportunities.

The EU's Small Business Act - which






aims to support entrepreneurship andpromote SME growth by helping SMEstackle the problems which hamper theirdevelopment - has been given strongsupport from the European Parliament tomake it politically binding. We willcontinue to support measures that createan environment within whichentrepreneurs can thrive.

For example, there is a need tostrengthen European measures byspeeding up the use of structural funds

and enhancing European InvestmentBank support for small businesses.

Although we welcome the creation of aSME Envoy and will work closely with theEnvoy's office to maximise its role as thevoice of SMEs in Europe, this post doesnot quite possess the authority of astandalone Commissioner.

The SDLP upholds our proposal tocreate an EU Commissioner for smalland medium sized industries. It isessential that the interests of SMEs are

represented across the many relevantpolicy departments of the EUCommission, including those responsiblefor environment, IT, internal market andcompetition. Supporting small businessgrowth should not be left solely to theDirectorate General for Enterprise.A NEW SOCIAL EUROPE

The impact of the economic downturnwill be with us for years to come. Withinthe space of two years, it is estimatedthat Europe will have lost 10 million jobs,


with dramatic social consequences forpeople all over the EU. Here in NorthernIreland, unemployment is expected torise to 6% by the end of 2009. Actionstaken to fight the recession must beprogressive and contain solid socialprinciples that put people's interests first.

To this end, the SDLP and our PEScolleagues will work for a EuropeanEmployment Pact to safeguardemployment, create new and better jobs,fight mass unemployment, andstrengthen workers' rights, workingconditions and equal pay.

Ní mór do shaorghluaiseacht saothair abheith bunaithe ar phrionsabail atádíríthe ar phá, ar choinníollacha oibre, arobair agus ar áit oibre chomhionann.

Free movement of labour must bebased on the principle of equal pay andequal working conditions for equal workin the same workplace.

The Socialist group in the EuropeanParliament achieved implementation ofEU-wide laws on working time, andbrought in measures to give part timeand temporary workers the same rightsas full time workers as regards training,pensions, maternity rights and leave.SDLP MPs supported similar measuresat Westminster.

In the forthcoming EuropeanParliamentary term, we will play our rolein ensuring a continued fairer deal for all.


IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Push for a strong recovery plan with coordinated investment in jobs and green growth.

• Market Northern Ireland as an ideal location for investment in these jobs that helpput our region on the path to a cleaner, more energy efficient future.

• Seek support for regional planning policies that accelerate, not impede, theapplication process for the creation of renewable energy plants.

• Demand clear regional discretion in state aid to support competitiveness and jobsat this time.

• Support measures that facilitate expansion of the high-speed broadband networkacross the North.

• Boost Northern Ireland's competitiveness prospects by ensuring the offer of a seaton the cabinet table of the Regional Development Commissioner is immediatelytaken up.

• In the face of currency fluctuations, look for measures to promote currency stabilityand in the long term, campaign for the introduction of the Euro. Only an all-islandapproach to the economy, including the use of a single currency, will attract investorsand enable Ireland North and South to seriously compete on the global stage.

• Promote a small and medium sized enterprise Commissioner and in themeantime, make the office of SME Envoy work to the benefit of local smallbusinesses.

• Underline that fundamental social rights for all must form a central part of our wayout of this recession.


“We will play ourrole in ensuring afair deal for all”



It is widely accepted that in order toensure our economic prosperity we needto devote further resources to research,innovation, better education and trainingsystems.

We believe that now more than ever,human resources are the EuropeanUnion's main asset. These are central tothe creation and transmission ofknowledge and a determining factor inour society's potential for innovation.

The SDLP has long recognised that awell-educated and highly skilledworkforce is crucial for economic growththrough both indigenous enterprise andinward investment. This can only beachieved through ongoing investment ina high-class system of education andtraining suited to the needs of individualsand of society. Locally, the SDLP hasdemonstrated its commitment to theseprinciples by opposing the 11-plus andpromoting lifelong learning.

This island has traditionally producedgenerations of innovative thinkers with astrong sense of entrepreneurship. Duringthe present economic downturn, we wantto secure a better environment to furtherdevelop this region's potential as aknowledge-based economy that not onlykeeps up with other regions around theworld but in the long term, surpassesthem to claim a position of leadership inthe global market.RETRAINING AND UPSKILLINGOUR WORKERS

The SDLP considers it essential thatthe NI Executive helps create a

sustainable workforce better prepared toride the waves of an economic storm. Inthe long term this must entaildevelopment of innovation-led training toensure Northern Ireland becomes achampion of innovation.

In the short term, it is essential thathigh levels of support are provided tothose who have become unemployed orrisk being made unemployed. This issupport that workers in other Europeancountries are already receiving.

Locally, we propose the followingmeasures for implementation which havebeen fully and independently costed:

• Payroll Shelter: a wage subsidyscheme similar to that in Wales and

the Netherlands, which subsidises anemployee's wage and offers employersthe opportunity to apply for funding.

• The introduction of further funding andopportunities for graduate trainingapprenticeships.

• Enhance current training provisionthrough increased funding to theDepartment of Employment andLearning strategy 'Success throughSkills' with schemes specificallyfocused on those who have recentlybecome unemployed.

• Skilled person's initiative to assisthighly skilled people who havebecome unemployed start their ownbusinesses.

Education, skills and innovationWhen We Win Workers Win



Furthermore, the SDLP has proposedcreating a virtual 'Open Faculty forInnovation'. This Open Faculty wouldserve as a platform to engage andencourage not only those in ouruniversities and our regional colleges butalso within our businesses to worktowards achieving a culture that thinksinnovation, works innovation and growsinnovation.COMPETING ON THEINTERNATIONAL STAGE

The valuable report of the MATRIXpanel outlines a preliminary roadmapthat the North must follow if we are to“meet the challenges of globalcompetition and take advantage of newopportunities to make our economy morecompetitive, deliver increased prosperityand tackle disadvantage and poverty.” 1

Policy-makers have been presentedwith proposals and recommendations

including new markets on which, with theproper investment and encouragement,the North can be expected to become aworld player. These include exploiting ourunique selling point as a clean and greenregion open for business across a rangeof sectors (clean energy, cleanmanufacturing, clean health, etc).

We envisage the Open Faculty forInnovation playing a key role in boostingthe North's competitiveness on theinternational level. Practitioners andexperts from not only these islands butaround the world could be Fellows of thisFaculty, mentoring businesses, inspiringstudents and fostering competitiveresearch.

Europe too is keen to see our regionprosper as we enter the second decade

of the 21st century, as is clear from therecommendations of the NI Task Force.We now have a chance to significantlygrow internationally and be held as anexample to our eastern neighbours ofhow the EU over time can contribute tolifting the economy and prospects of aMember State.

The SDLP will use the goodwill fromour European colleagues to press forswift action in implementing the MATRIXproposals. We will not stand for missedopportunities or neglectedresponsibilities when it comes todelivering a sustained innovationenvironment in which Northern Ireland'sknowledge economy can thrive andgrow.MAKING MORE OF EUOPPORTUNITIES

The NI Task Force report concludesthat Northern Ireland would benefit fromincreasing its participation in the variousEU education, training and youth-relatedinitiatives. In particular, the Northreceives more ERASMUS programmestudents than it sends overseas. TheSDLP wants to address this trend, andwill look at ways to encourage our higherand further education students todevelop language and other skillsthrough studying in institutions in otherEU Member States, including removingfinancial impediments that may preventgreater uptake in the programme.

IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Work for the introduction of targeted support for our workforce - on a par with

that already provided in other European countries - during the economicdownturn.

• Prepare individuals and businesses here for the upturn through better fundingprovision for training programmes and apprenticeships.

• Make innovation a critical part of our economic policies by championing thelaunch of a virtual Open Faculty for Innovation here.

• Seek EU support for the timely and sound implementation of the MATRIX panelrecommendations.

• Look at ways to facilitate uptake in the ERASMUS programme to enable morehigher and further education students to participate in study abroad.

“Working to achieve a culture thatthinks innovation, works innovation

and grows innovation”



1 Northern Ireland Programme for Government 2008-2011, 29 January 2008.


The PES has been at the forefront indeveloping a progressive global strategyto combat climate change. This work hasenabled Europe to show leadership inadvancing new, efficient 'green'technologies and reducing the risk of afuture loss of prosperity due to theimpact of climate change. The SDLP is avalued member of the PES and will workalongside our colleagues throughoutEurope to lay down ambitious global

action to manage climate change.We believe the current financial crisis

must be used as a springboard toaccelerate action on climate change.With thousands of jobs lost in NorthernIreland and millions across Europe, nowis the time to create new jobs by movingin an orderly way from our presentdangerous and expensive over-relianceon imported fossil fuels. This requires apartnership between Brussels and

Northern Ireland. The goodwill andresources in Europe available for ourregion can only be translated into actionhere by a party which is committed to theEuropean ideal and prepared to build onour links there.

Only the SDLP can bring the resourcesfrom Europe which could be critical increating the thousands of green jobswhich Northern Ireland needs. Ourmembership of the PES enables theSDLP to win friends and allies in everyEuropean country and so will enable theNorth to emerge as a leader amongthese islands in implementing climatechange policies that will enhance, andnot impede, economic policy.

Ambitious action to manage climate change


“Now is the time to accelerateaction on climate change”



Ba mhian linn ár gcúrsaíeacnamaíochta a chur chun cinn trí níosmó feidhme a bhaint as teicneolaíochtaíatá tíosach ar fhuinneamh inár bpobal,sa bhaile agus ar obair. Tig le hiomparpoiblí, dearadh agus tógáil meabhrachna dtithe, na bhfoirgneamh phoiblí agusna n-áiteanna oibre an mhí-úsáid curamú fuinnimh a sheachaint.

We want to boost our economy throughthe use of more energy efficienttechnologies in our communities, athome and at work. Efficient publictransport and intelligent design andconstruction of homes, public buildingsand workplaces can all help avoidwasteful energy consumption.

By focusing on becoming moreenergy efficient, we can reduce our

dependency on increasingly expensiveenergy imports. Volatile energy pricesare hitting families and consumershard. It is clear that world energyprices lie behind some of theseincreases which make it difficult forregional administrations to address theproblem. EU policy-makers, however,have a key role to play on the globalstage in controlling and seeking tostabilise energy prices, therebyensuring a better deal for Europe'scitizens.

The SDLP believes that the EU'senergy strategy must not only deliverlow-carbon energy networks andmaximise efficiency but importantly, itmust deliver low and stable prices forconsumers.

We recognise that the transition to alow-carbon and sustainabledevelopment path can only be achievedthrough a coordinated internationaleffort, enshrined in a fair and effectiveglobal agreement. That's why the globalclimate change summit in Copenhagenin December 2009 will be crucial inlaying down a roadmap for action for thepost-2012 framework, as well as givingendorsement to the need to supporteconomic growth and create green jobsin the short term while laying the basisfor a more sustainable economy for thefuture.

IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Support EU-led negotiations for an

agreement on a 30% global targetfor reducing greenhouse gasemissions by 2020.

• Secure real economic incentives forNorthern Ireland to exploit itsnatural advantages - wind, water,afforestation - in potentialrenewable resources to out-performEuropean targets and provideemployment through technologiesour region can lead in, includingcompressed air storage.

• Assist developing countries tocombine necessary economicgrowth and social progress with anincreasingly responsible andeffective climate policy.

• Ensure EU policy-makers worktowards an energy framework thatdoes more for less, and deliversstability and the best price forconsumers.




We all have a responsibility to protect,preserve and improve our environment forpresent and future generations. TheEuropean Union has a longstanding bodyof legislation for the protection of theenvironment, and is focused on ensuringfull compliance and adherence to these

laws.Beidh sé ina phríomhaidhm thar an

chéad thréimhse Parlaiminte eile gogcinnteofar go ndéana Éire, idirThuaisceart agus Dheisceart, a gcuiddualgaisí agus gealltanas achomhlíonadh, ar leas timpeallcht atá

glan, glas agus sláintiúil.It will be a key requirement over the next

Parliamentary term to ensure Ireland,North and South, lives up to itsenvironmental commitments andobligations and can reap the rewards of aclean, green and healthy environment.

Demands on Europe's environmenttoday - including climate change, land usechange, habitat destruction, pollution andwaste disposal - all pose a threat tobiodiversity. But by protecting the naturalenvironment and ensuring the recovery ofhabitats and species, biodiversity can infact play a key role in controlling thesepressures, particularly climate change.We will work in the European Parliamentto build and strengthen successful EUbiodiversity policies, including the Birdsand Habitats Directives, and persuadedecision-makers that biodiversity is animportant tool we need to preserve inorder to successfully manage the manypressures our environment faces.

On a global level, waste production isleading to overuse of materials andenergy and the depletion of the earth'srenewable and non-renewable resources.Europe must do more to minimise wasteproduction and give consideration toinnovative and effective measures thatunderpin the recycling market, includingstate aid and other intervention methods.

We remain committed to an all-Irelandwaste strategy that has at its core strongprevention measures, exceeds EUstandards and preserves the attractivenessof our countryside, towns and cities.

Environment and public healthWhen We Win the Environment Wins




HEALTH IS THE GREATESTWEALTH

The importance of our personalhealth and wellbeing and the extent towhich our environment can affect howwe feel and act have rightly gainedincreased attention from policy-makers. Increases in conditionsincluding obesity, diabetes, asthma,high blood pressure and heart diseaseare partly caused by environmentalfactors such as poor air quality, low-cost, low-standard food, apoorly-designed natural environmentand over-reliance on cars, which limitswalking and cycling. Ensuring strongenvironmental - and therefore health -

protection is crucial.In the European Parliament, the

SDLP will work for better integration ofhealth and environment policies toensure that local communities and thewider environment in which we live arehealth-promoting and environmentallysustainable.

Health can also be an importantdriver of economic growth andprosperity. There is an increasingrealisation of the importanceinvestment in our health will play in thefuture development of our society andeconomy. The SDLP, through the PES,will press the Commission to ensurefull implementation of the EU's health

strategy for 2008-2013, so that thelinks between health and economicprosperity are more widely recognisedand form the basis of policy decisionslocally.

The added value of having a strongvoice at the European level to addressissues that affect the North cannot beunderestimated. In relation to theprovision of cross-border healthcare,the SDLP will campaign to facilitate thefree movement of patients and medicalpersonnel within the EU, and campaignfor the highest common principles andstandards of care.


IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Support a new framework that maintains and strengthens protection of our

biodiversity post-2012.

• Encourage measures to protect our rivers, lakes and the Irish Sea frompollution.

• Seek support for a stronger EU framework on waste which focuses effortsmore squarely on the prevention component of waste minimisation andexamines measures to make the recycling industry more profitable.

• Gain recognition of the need to tackle environmental issues on an all-islandbasis, given that waste and pollution know no borders.

• Ensure increased consideration of the linkages between a clean environment,people's health and economic prosperity.

• Commit to tackling health inequalities in Ireland and throughout Europe byhighlighting the need to carry out health impact assessments for all policyformation.

• Support greater cross-border cooperation on health to provide the best healthcare for the island of Ireland.

• Recognise the value of addressing cross-border health threats and free cross-border movement of patients and health professionals.



Today’s global economic turmoil is astark reminder of just how importantregional and cohesion policies are asfactors of financial stability and long terminvestment in sustainable social andeconomic growth. The SDLP has beenextremely successful in maximising EUfunding, and Ireland North and South hasgreatly benefited from European regionalpolicy investment.

Indeed, the work of John Hume inproposing and enabling theimplementation of the PEACE I and IIprogrammes delivered over £500 millionand created over 8000 jobs around theNorth and in the border areas. The SDLP

is proud of this record. We will thereforemaintain pressure on the Executive tofully deliver on PEACE III. Communityand voluntary groups and those workingtowards a better and shared future mustnot be overburdened or unfairlyobstructed in their quest to secureappropriate funding.

The coming years provide anopportunity to shape European regionaland cohesion policy post-2013, in thecontext of the next EU Budget. In anexpanded Europe - where NorthernIreland is just one of over 270 regions -we will campaign for a new EU regionalpolicy that moves beyond the traditional

focus on infrastructure to one that takesmore account of the economic potentialof regions. This ‘next generation’ ofEuropean regional policy must enable allregions to capitalize on their ability tobecome more competitive and dynamicon the international stage.

The SDLP will demonstrate moreinnovative, strategic thinking than hasbeen on offer from the three MEPs overthe last five years. We will look for otherways through which our region canmaximise its EU membership in theabsence of Objective 1 status. As statedbefore, stronger regional discretion in thearea of state aid would help create a



A new regional policy for the 21st century




PROVIDING CERTAINTY TOLOCAL FARMERS

There are a number of challengesfacing local farmers during the nextParliamentary term. The SDLP pledgesto be the strongest voice in Europe for afarming industry seeking certainty for thefuture. Our membership of the Party ofEuropean Socialists places us in aunique position of strength. No otherMEP will have the extensive network ofcontacts and influence to deliver for theNorth.

Supporting the continuation ofsustainable farming helps maintain thecountryside and contributes to ruraldevelopment. We will use the review ofthe existing Less Favoured Area (LFA)scheme to press for specific protectionand strengthening of our LFAs to allowfor the long term growth of farming herein Northern Ireland.

Tá cosaint níos cuimsí de dhíth do nafeirmeacha beaga, ar mhaithe lecúiseanna timpeallachta aguseacnamaíochta; tá sé ar leas na ndaoinego léir go mbeidh muid go fóill in anntoradh áitiúil a cheannach.

We need specific protection for smallerfarmers - for environmental as well aseconomic reasons, it's in all our intereststo remain able to buy local produce.

A further priority will be to address theissue of farm gate prices being less thanthe cost of production, an issue ofparticular concern to the dairy sector.

We will strive to ensure the ruralenvironment remains a place in whichpeople wish to live and work, by securingequal access to public services andmaintaining normal service provision andsocial amenities to prevent people fromfeeling isolated.

CAP REFORM: ENSURING A FAIRDEAL FOR FARMERS

Any system that has been around foras long as the Common AgriculturalPolicy (CAP) may require detailed reviewand reform, not least to ensure that themoney spent on the CAP reaches thefarmer, and is not absorbed byadministrative costs and red tape.

The coming years are key for localfarmers many of whom have benefitedgreatly from the CAP to date. With theHealth Check completed, the mediumterm future of the CAP may be stronglyinfluenced by discussions on how theEU's overall 2014-2020 budget should bespent. This is likely to raise the questionof what the EU's future priorities shouldbe and the subsequent importanceplaced on farming.

The current economic crisis underlinesthe urgent need to fulfil the EU's goal ofbecoming the most competitive anddynamic economy in the world. TheSDLP believes the agricultural sector cancontribute to this vision.

The Party of European Socialists haveled efforts to counter the EuropeanCommission's sometimes over-liberalposition and sought a proper balancebetween adapting the CAP to newchallenges and the international context,and protecting farmers and theenvironment.

We will work with our Socialistcolleagues to ensure that the budgetmade available for farming beyond 2013takes into account the needs of NorthernIreland's farming industry and its unique

Agricultural and fishing industriesWhen We Win Rural Communities Win


contribution to our rural economy. We willuse the opportunity of CAP reform tointegrate health goals into the CAP, with aview to better linking health, environment,infrastructure and agriculture.STANDING UP FOR OUR FISHINGINDUSTRY

EU cutbacks in days at sea and quotareductions in cod demonstrate how localfishermen need strong representation inBrussels to protect this industry from ill-advised thinking. We will work to findsolutions that restore the worst-off stocksand at the same time, guarantee thatfishing can continue to be a reliablesource of revenue for local fishermen.

Creating targeted retraining andupskilling opportunities is one way ofproviding a future for fishermen, but wewill demand a long term response thatensures a simple and sustainable systemfor managing our fisheries that can lastwell into the 21st century.DEVELOPING OUR RURALCOMMUNITIES

Traditionally, the SDLP - through JohnHume, Bríd Rodgers and others in localCouncils, the Assembly, the Executiveand at Westminster - has led withpolicies and positions aimed atsustaining our rural communities. Theseinclude supporting decentralisation andretaining and investing further inessential frontline services in ruralcommunities.

Besides the central role our farmersand fishermen play in sustaining ruralcommunities, more focus must be givento supporting rural vitality and providingequal opportunities for all rural dwellers.In the context of CAP reform, greateremphasis will be placed on rural

development activities. In addition to thereform, however, the SDLP will work todevelop new ideas and strategies toachieve a more balanced performanceacross our region; a new ruraldevelopment policy for the 21st century.

A key challenge facing Europe's ruralregions over the coming years is enablingthe rural economy to compete and thriveduring uncertain economic times andcrucially, to sustain itself in preparationfor the upturn when it happens.

The SDLP has called for greaterinvestment in renewable energy here inNorthern Ireland, in an effort to meet andexceed climate change obligations andat the same time, create jobs and boostour economy. The development of ahealthy indigenous renewable energyindustry will contribute to sustaining ourrural economy in particular, since it is therural parts of Northern Ireland that offerthe best location and conditions for manyrenewable energy technologies,including wind and tidal.

The development of rural areas

depends largely on access to high-speedbroadband. While we have urged theExecutive to make a long termcommitment to full expansion of the high-speed broadband network, the SDLPnotes that the European InvestmentBank is already involved in the financingof energy as well as telecomsinfrastructure throughout Europe. We willexplore the possibilities that may beopen to the North in respect to EIBassistance in order to eliminate thedigital divide here.

At the European level, the SDLP willcontinue to stress the importance of thecontinued provision of high quality publicservices in rural areas to promoteequality, minimise rural exclusion andcombat isolation. The SDLP and ourPES colleagues will seek support forpolicies and incentives that ensure equalaccess to these services - education,healthcare, culture, transport andcommunications - securing a decent lifefor all farming and non-farming ruraldwellers and their families.


IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Protect and strengthen our Less Favoured Areas.

• Secure a fair and sustainable future for farmers and the rural community underCAP reform.

• Develop a long term, steady policy in relation to farm gate prices and productioncosts.

• Stand up for our trawlermen, the fish processing industry and coastalcommunities' interests during Common Fisheries Policy reform.

• Promote and market internationally our local produce on an all-Ireland basis toavail of the positive attitude towards 'Irish' produce in Europe and beyond.

• Contribute to discussions aimed at developing a modern, innovative ruralstrategy, and pay particular attention to measures that will boost the ruraleconomy to the benefit of farming and non-farming rural dwellers alike.





A thriving cultural, media and artssector is an important part of the qualityof life in any region. It is also a sign ofsuccess. Culture also makes a majorcontribution to economic life and is asignificant source of employment in theadvanced regions of the EU.

Capital cities in these islands, such asDublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff, all have astrong cultural dimension. Belfast has

made significant strides in recent yearsand has been rewarded by widespreadacknowledgement that it is an equalpartner among these neighbouring citiesin cultural terms. We want to see moreactive involvement in EU culturalinitiatives for our other cities, includingDerry, Lisburn and Newry, in order toencourage the development of ourcultural life across the North.

For too long cultural diversity in Irelandhas been a source of conflict. It is in factan opportunity. The EU has longsupported cultural and linguistic diversityboth in Ireland and across Europe; therecent enlargements being a primeexample of this. The SDLP has the bestrecord in promoting cultural diversity. Inthe Assembly, we have tabled a draft billfor the Irish language which wouldestablish Irish and English as the officiallanguages in the North, giving Irishspeakers the right to have their languagerecognised in all public spheres,including the courts, education andemployment.

Sa chéad Pharlaimint eile, beidh muidag tnúth le cur le cláir thacaíochta AE dochúrsaí cultúrtha agus d'éagsúlachtteangacha, chun maoiniú breise a aimsiúdo thionscadail na Gaeilge.

In the next Parliament, we will seek toexpand EU support programmes forcultural and linguistic diversity, and tosecure more funding for Irish languageprojects.

Embracing cultural diversityWhen We Win Society Wins

IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Support more active involvement in

EU cultural initiatives for our cities,in order to encourage thedevelopment of our cultural lifeacross the North.

• Promote support for culturaldiversity and the Irish language ona statutory basis through adoptionof the SDLP's draft bill for the Irishlanguage.

“The SDLP has the best record inpromoting cultural diversity”


The SDLP is committed to promotingequality, social justice and reconciliation,and to protecting human rights. Theseprinciples are not just slogans; they are apart of our founding philosophy. One ofthe reasons we've been such strongsupporters of the European Union is itstrack record in upholding equality andhuman rights for all European citizens.EQUALITY FOR ALL

The SDLP is proud to stand up for therights of all in our society, regardless ofsex, race, ethnic or social origin,language, religion or belief, disability, ageor sexual orientation. Europe has oftenled the foundations for the development ofnational measures to promote equality,and during the lifetime of the nextParliament we intend to build on theprogress already made.

The SDLP will continue to worktirelessly to make Northern Ireland awelcoming and safe place for migrantworkers. It is unacceptable that those whowant a better life for themselves and theirfamilies can feel threatened andunwelcome in our society. The SDLPwants to see all workers respected asequals and benefiting equally under thelaw. In a new and larger Europe, we in theNorth are in a position to extend a hand offriendship to our fellow European andexternal neighbours in an effort toencourage integration and shared society.We will encourage others to do likewise.

With our sister parties in the PES, wewill lobby the other EU institutions tocreate a women's rights charter topromote gender equality in economic andpolitical life, draft family friendly measuresto enhance parental leave rights and callfor the establishment of a new

Commissioner for gender equality.As MEP, Alban Maginness will be

proactive towards achieving equality andpromoting anti-discrimination policies inorder to improve the lives of older peoplein the North. In line with the PES pledge,we are committed to enhancing theprovision of care for the elderly, and willexamine models similar to those alreadyin place for child care with a view todeveloping a European strategy on elderlycare. This is all the more important in lightof our ageing population. Locally, theSDLP will continue to campaign for theappointment of a full-time, adequatelyfunded older person's Commissioner toensure that the voice of older people isheard and that they are involved in allpolicy-making decisions.UPHOLDING HUMAN RIGHTS

The North needs a strong voice in theEuropean Parliament to eliminate the gapbetween political rhetoric and reality when itcomes to the implementation of humanrights. The SDLP will continue to championhuman rights at both the European andlocal levels to advance the further

development of a rights-based democraticculture here in Northern Ireland.

Evidence of this has been oursustained lobbying for a strong Bill ofRights for Northern Ireland. The SDLPremains convinced that a Bill of Rightscan support the common ground thatdoes exist in our society, and provideprotections and principles upon which wecan agree despite our differences. Onsuch common ground we can build a trulyshared future.

The European Charter of FundamentalRights, when legally binding, will empowercitizens throughout Europe to challengeany decision taken by EU institutions, or byMember States implementing EU law, thatthey feel infringes their fundamental rights.To this end, we are hopeful of a strongEurope-wide ratification of the LisbonTreaty which would give the necessarylegal force to the Charter.CHALLENGING RIGHTS ABUSEThe PES Group in the EuropeanParliament has made major progress inprotecting children against sexual abuseand violence, including online. We will

Equality, human rights and social justiceSDLP European Manifesto 2009





seek further assurances and measures toprotect our children including robust cross-border sharing of criminal recordsinformation between Member States toensure that sex offenders are not able togain employment with children by movingbetween EU countries.

The SDLP supports the ongoing EUcommitment and action to combat traffickingof women and children and to protect thosewho have been trafficked. We are pleasedto see that the UK has now ratified theCouncil of Europe Convention on Actionagainst Trafficking in Human Beings.However, continued monitoring is requiredparticularly within the current candidatecountries and others which may wish to jointhe European Union in the future.

The SDLP believes the EU hassucceeded in overcoming the historicdivisions and conflicts of Europe in largepart because of its inclusiveness andrespect for diversity. We have alwaysappreciated European support for our workof peace-building in the North. The SDLPwill continue to raise awareness in Europeof human rights abuses that took place inthe North and will, in particular, seekEuropean support to bolster our calls forsupport at Westminster for a full publicjudicial inquiry into the murder of PatFinucane.SETTING THE SOCIAL JUSTICEAGENDA

The denial of equality, fairness, andsocial justice to many people in our societyremains a major scandal that must beconfronted politically. Far too many of ouryoung people have their lives defined bywhere they live or their parents' socio-economic status, dictating the lifeopportunities open to them. Families arestruggling to put food on the table, while aworrying proportion of our elderlypopulation find themselves in an

environment of both physical and emotionaldeprivation and can die in relative isolation.It is intolerable that many of our childrenlive in poverty or on the edge of povertyand are unable to access an adequateeducation.

In the last Executive, the SDLP madechild poverty a priority in the Programmefor Government, establishing the Children'sFund and other Executive ProgrammeFunds in support of child and familyservices. We made sure that child povertywas a key deprivation indicator and set upthe office of Children's Commissioner. Indoing this, we deliberately borrowed goodexamples from Europe and applied themlocally. Today, several elements of theSDLP's legacy have been rejected by theruling political parties. It is unacceptablethat there is no longer a Children's Fundand no clear budget for a Children'sStrategy.

Across the North, the SDLP has beencollaborating with community and churchrepresentatives to seriously tackle theplight of poverty and social injustice. The

Minister for Social Development, MargaretRitchie, has led the charge in tackling fuelpoverty here by committing to a vision oferadicating fuel poverty for vulnerablepeople and those who live in social housingby 2010 and for other households by 2016.

In the Assembly, our MLAs have wonunanimous political support for a motion onrising energy costs, while our MPs havemade similar representations inWestminster. We will continue to pressOFMDFM to deliver on the Executive's anti-poverty commitments. It is not right that solittle has been delivered, and urgent actionis all the more needed given the currenteconomic crisis.

In Europe, Alban Maginness will take ourresponsibilities just as seriously. Alongsideour PES colleagues, he will work to ensurethe National Action Plans for Inclusion, thecornerstone of the EU Social InclusionStrategy, demonstrate vigour and ambitionin their aims and objectives. The Strategycan only succeed if Member States placethe rights of poor and marginalised peopleat the centre of the Action Plans.

IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Ensure migrant workers and those from this island receive equal treatment at

work and in society.

• Give support to a women's rights charter to promote gender equality in economicand political life, and call for the establishment of a new EU Commissioner forgender equality.

• Develop family friendly measures to enhance parental leave rights.

• Seek support to draft an EU-wide strategy on elderly care, and continue tocampaign for the appointment of a full-time, adequately resourced older person'sCommissioner in the North.

• Seek political support for a strong Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

• Profile in Europe Northern Irish human rights issues, including the need for a fulljudicial review into the murder of Pat Finucane.

• Secure support at EU level to ensure real delivery locally on anti-poverty measures.


The progressive elimination of bordercontrol within the EU has considerablyfacilitated the free movement ofEuropean citizens, but has also made iteasier for criminals to operatetransnationally. The fight againstorganised crime is one of the EU's toppriorities, and the SDLP will build on thework that has been done in recent yearsto develop EU anti-organised crime,anti-terrorist and anti-smuggling policiesso that the agencies in both parts ofIreland can work effectively with theircounterparts in Europe.

An effective response is not feasiblewithout the continuous monitoring andsmooth exchange of information amongthe police and judicial authorities of theMember States. This must occur withinthe framework of the competentinternational and European institutions,such as Europol and Eurojust, and theEuropean Judicial Network. Wewelcome the decision officiallyregistering Europol as an EU agencywith Community financing from January2010, since this will go hand in handwith closer involvement of the EuropeanParliament in its capacity as budgetaryauthority.

Locally, the SDLP is determined tocombat crime and ensure safer

communities for everybody. It's been10 years since the Patten Commissionrecommended sweeping changes topolicing in the North. The SDLPsteadfastly lent its support to ensurethe Patten recommendations wereimplemented, and the reward has beenthat our community is now closer tobenefiting from a truly representativeand fully accountable police service.We will continue our work on thePolicing Board to keep deliveringchange.

The link between organised crime andthe paramilitaries is very clear. They aredefying the democratic will of the peopleof Ireland and severely damaging oursociety. Their racketeering is stunting thedevelopment of communities. Theirinvolvement in drug-dealing is cuttingyoung lives short and terrorising olderpeople.

At present, the real and active threat topolice personnel, to peace anddemocracy, is coming from so-calleddissident republicans. Parties in theAssembly cannot allow differences anddifficulties around the devolution ofjustice and policing to be exploited forthese groups' sinister purposes.

Devolution can achieve more andperform better if policing and justice

services join, share and engage withother key service providers and plannersunder devolved policy making andbudget planning.

The devolution of justice and policingpowers to the Assembly will be a furthernew beginning to policing. Without it wewill not have the completion of the GoodFriday Agreement or Patten. We shouldmake it happen as soon as possible.Our Socialist colleagues in Europe arewith us to ensure that this aspect of theAgreement is implemented fairly andswiftly.

Just as the transfer of justice musthave a strong North-South dimensionagreed upfront, there should be furtherinitiatives around North-Southcooperation on criminal justice andpolicing through, for example, thecreation of an all-Ireland CriminalAssets Bureau, modelled on theCriminal Assets Bureau in the South, todeprive criminals of their wrongful gainsacross the island. This issue hasbecome more acute with the end of theARA as an independent agency and theprimacy of SOCA.

We cannot simply accept the benefitsof Europe without taking on ourresponsibilities. The SDLP's experiencein reforming the police and lawenforcement, and creating accountabilityin Northern Ireland will be of great valueas the European Union addresses thechallenges of organised crime, drugssmuggling, and dealing with terrorismwithin the rule of law and withoutcompromising fundamental freedoms.

Security and fighting crimeWhen We Win the Community Wins


IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Seek to maximise existing instruments such as the EU Commission Forum on

the Prevention of Organised Crime and the EU Crime Prevention Network.

• Use the Parliament's scrutiny role to encourage increased effectiveness anddemocratic accountability of Europol and Eurojust.



The EU is the greatest example ofconflict resolution in history and thegreatest opportunity for internationaldevelopment in the future. The SDLPwants to see the EU continue as afrontrunner in advancing peace andsustainable social and economicdevelopment worldwide. We do notbelieve simply in a Europe of economies,but in a Europe of values and a Europe ofinfluence - a real challenge to poverty,disease and war.

The SDLP has long advocatedinternational development issues at alllevels of government. In the Assembly,SDLP representatives founded and chairan All Party Group on InternationalDevelopment, aimed at raising awarenessof and giving practical help to developingcountries. At Westminster, our MPs havetaken a strong stance on issues includingthe Iraq war, humanitarian relief for Gazaand cluster munitions, which gainedcross-party support and was quicklyfollowed by a decision by the Britishgovernment to support a ban on clusterbombs. In local Councils around theNorth, SDLP Councillors have wonsupport for Fair Trade and internationalsolidarity motions.

The next five years of the EuropeanParliament coincide with the lead up to the2015 deadline for achieving the UN'sMillennium Development Goals. The EUmust keep its promise to increase itscollective aid to 0.7% of Gross NationalIncome by 2015 to achieve the MillenniumDevelopment Goals and meet itscommitments to improve the quality of itsaid. This will be extremely challenging,since faced with the current economiccrisis, many Member State governmentsare reviewing their external aid budgets.

This can only spell disaster for thosecountries whose people's prospects relyon foreign aid.

We would argue that building up theeconomies of developing countries is notjust a moral imperative, it is in all ourinterests as the European example hasclearly proven by boosting all theeconomies of the Member States,including our own.WORKING FOR GLOBAL TRADEJUSTICE

Trade is much more than the exchangeof goods and services. It has an impact onevery area of social life, and a socialEurope must work for global trade justice.

EU trade policy is negatively impactingdeveloping countries as it continues topush for trade agreements which areharmful to the interests of developingcountries and those living in poverty.Under the Global Europe strategy, the EUis proposing further opening of developingcountry markets and additional rules thatwill restrict access to technology, including

seeds and medicines, and see that theenvironment and natural resources areconsidered as 'economic goods' thatshould be economically exploited, ratherthan 'common goods' that should beprotected. The SDLP considers itimperative that EU trade policy does notundermine the aims of existing strategiesto which the EU is committed, includingthe Millennium Development Goals andthe Kyoto Protocol.

The SDLP will therefore work towards amuch more progressive EU trade policythat prioritises development,environmental sustainability, core labourstandards and human rights objectives,especially with regard to the world'spoorest countries. Trade policy would alsobenefit from being made more open anddemocratic, to include much greatersharing of information and realparticipation by civil society. This wouldbe made possible under the LisbonTreaty, which proposes giving theEuropean Parliament an expanded role inshaping EU trade policy.

Europe in the wider worldSDLP European Manifesto 2009



D'iarr SDLP ar FheidhmeannasThuaisceart na hÉireann ceannach Cóir-Thrádála a chur chun cinn, i ngachcinneadh sólathair. Leanfaidh muid leis anobair chun torthaí Cóir-Thrádála athabhairt chun cinn taobh istigh dár n-eacnamaíocht féin agus trasna na hEorpa,mar shampla, beidh muid ag iarraidh ar anChoimisiún dóigheanna a mholadh chunfeasacht na dtomhaltóirí a spreagadh artorthaí Cóir-Thrádála. As ucht an ghnímhseo, cuireann muid forbairt inbhuanaithechun tosaigh agus tá muid ag iarraidh páatá ceart agus cóir a dheimhniú sadomhan atá i béal a forbartha.

The SDLP has called on the NIExecutive to advance Fair Tradepurchasing in all procurement decisions.We will continue working to promote theexpansion of Fair Trade products withinour own economy and across Europe by,for example, encouraging the Commissionto adopt measures aimed at raisingconsumer awareness of Fair Tradeproducts. By doing so, we promotesustainable development and helpguarantee decent wages for those in thedeveloping world.RESPONSIBLE FOOD ANDAGRICULTURAL POLICIES

Agriculture plays an important part intrade and development strategies. TheSDLP has called for a fair deal for localfarmers during the ongoing reform of theCAP. Similarly, CAP reform is anopportunity to address the global foodcrisis and tackle the inherently unfaircurrent situation whereby in Africa alone,the number of people vulnerable to hungerhas now reached 400 million.

An EU deal which will divert €1 billionover three years in unused European farmsubsidies to help tackle the global foodprice crisis - the so-called 'Food Facility' -

is aimed at helping African farmers gainaccess to seeds and fertilisers in order toincrease their productivity. Although awelcome development, the SDLPconsiders such short term investments canonly succeed if they are supported byincreased aid flows from developedcountries. This is the key to achieving foodsecurity in the long term.FURTHER EXPANSION OF THEEU'S BORDERS

The continuation of the accessionprocess for Western Balkan states and forTurkey will be a key priority over thecoming Parliamentary term. Theenlargement-friendly Swedish will beaiming at successfully closing Croatia'snegotiations by the end of their Presidencyin December, and at opening several newchapters with Turkey, depending on theprogress made with each country. AsTurkey's accession talks continue, theSDLP will underline the need to ensure theTurkish authorities fully comply withinternational human and civil rightsstandards, and make swift progress in thearea of freedom of speech.

Membership talks with Macedonia couldbe opened towards the end of the year,and a consensus on a reply to therequests for candidate status from Albaniaand Montenegro will have to be found. Amembership application from Iceland isimminent, in light of the announcementthat its Parliament is to vote on whether tobegin membership talks with the EU.

All this has a bearing on existingMember States since each enlargementbrings with it new neighbours on Europe'sborders and the challenge of integratingnew members into the EU. The SDLP andthe PES strongly support EU efforts toreconstruct countries including Croatia,Macedonia, Bosnia, Serbia-Montenegro,

Albania and Turkey. We believeconsolidating these fledgling democraciesand promoting human rights are in theinterests of all Europeans, as we all havea stake in achieving secure democracyand stability throughout the entirecontinent of Europe.

Further eastward enlargements bringEU-Russia relations into play, particularlyimportant in light of energy security issues.The impact of the Russia/Ukraine gascrisis once again brings home howimportant it is for the EU to have stableand predictable relationships with itsneighbours.SUPPORTING PEACE ANDDEMOCRACY

As stated, the EU stands as a powerfulexample of conflict resolution in the world.We therefore oppose any attemptedmilitarization of the European Union. TheEU is unique because it depends solely onthe rule of law, and has no armed forces.Its strength lies in its example, itsdiplomacy, its development policy and itstrade policy, not in its military resources.

However, to be effective in supportingpeace, there is a clear need for the EU tohave a more coherent foreign policycapacity. This should not extend tosupplanting the independent foreign affairspolicy of member countries. However, itmust enable the EU to increase itsleverage in a global situation where thevoice of peace can barely be heard abovethe racket of war.

The SDLP consistently voted againstthe Iraq war in Westminster and in theEuropean Parliament, mirroring thewidespread opposition of the Europeanpublic to the invasion. With the withdrawalof British troops now having taken placeand the planned withdrawal of US troopsby 2011, it is worth asking what alternative




outcomes might have been possible hadthe EU benefited from a well-developedforeign policy position and been able toexert greater influence to counter the US-led approach.

The SDLP and its sister parties in thePES remain committed to ensuring theIraqi people are supported on the longjourney towards full democracy that liesahead of them.

We want to see the EU play a strongerrole in securing peace and protectinghuman rights in the Middle East, securinga peaceful, two-state solution. Europemust equally play an honourable role onthe world stage and in the Middle East inparticular to counter the damage from thehistorically unbalanced American role. Toachieve these, there is further merit incalling for the EU to have a coherentforeign policy capacity.

The SDLP has long considered that thisregion of Ireland has a role to play as amodel of conflict transformation for regionsstill in conflict. We're therefore pleased theCommission's NI Task Force reportendorses the development of a facility hereto provide research and advice on conflictresolution. This is an opportunity tointernationally profile positive experiencesof the peace process.

Within the context of the ongoing policydialogue between the EU and countriessuch as China, Russia and the WesternBalkan region, there lies potential to drawattention to the specific contribution of thePEACE programmes here to social andeconomic development. In the EUcontext, we would support cooperationand exchanges between the North andthird countries specifically on peace andreconciliation issues as promoted underthe PEACE programmes, since there is

much to be gained in sharing theexpertise that exists within our shores.THE OBAMAADMINISTRATION

The new European Parliament term ofoffice coincides with that of a new USadministration. This is opportune andshould allow for good working relations todevelop between the new Parliament andPresident Obama and his staff. Keyissues are likely to be debt relief and fairtrade, as well as international peacekeeping.

Where possible, the SDLP will makebest use of this new relationship to make

further progress at the international levelon key concerns including pressing USrepresentatives to ensure the rights of'undocumented' Irish people living andworking in America are protected.

Further, we will seek agreement amongthe North's political parties to join with theTaoiseach and other EU leaders inoffering to accept Guantánamo detaineesfor resettlement in Northern Ireland.Northern Irish people are known for theircommitment to global justice anddemocracy, and political leadership atregional, national and European levelsshould reflect that commitment.

IN EUROPE THE SDLP WILL:• Build support to maintain but ultimately to increase EU support, aid and fair trade

to developing countries.

• Call for an urgent rethink of EU trade policy to ensure that it prioritisesdevelopment, environmental sustainability, core labour standards, and humanrights objectives, especially with regard to the world's poorest countries.

• Engage with decision-makers in the other EU institutions to achieve long termfood security in the developing world through increased aid flows, and in themeantime, provide democratic scrutiny of European aid spend, including the€1 billion Food Facility.

• Build strong working relations between the EU and the Obama administration, tothe benefit of our own region, the island as a whole and the wider internationalcommunity.

• Encourage proportionate and appropriate Europe-wide offers of resettlement toformer Guantánamo inmates.

• In the interests of democracy and stability, lend continued support for further EUenlargement that upholds the principles of human rights and equality for all.

• Gather support for the development of an effective EU strategy on conflictprevention.

• Léireofar Tuaisceart na hÉireann mar shuíomh cuí do shaoráid idirnaisiúnta inagcuirfear taighde, comhairle agus saineolas ar fáil ar réiteach coimhlinte.

• Profile Northern Ireland as a fitting location for an international facility providingresearch, advice and expertise on conflict resolution.




Alban's Top 10for EuropeIF YOU ELECT ME AS YOUR MEPON THURSDAY 4 JUNE, I WILL:• Through my membership of the influential PES group, help

create more jobs and ensure economic recovery in ourregion.

• Protect our workers' rights and interests by ensuring thatpositive initiatives in other EU regions are implemented here- including wage subsidy schemes and new trainingopportunities.

• Use European measures and new ideas to ensure wechampion and lead on innovation, and use this as a platformfor our future economic development.

• Bring jobs to rural communities, including through greentechnologies. Push for a sustainable future for rural dwellersby protecting vital services and addressing infrastructureneeds.

• Campaign for a Commissioner for small and medium sizedenterprises, who will eliminate red tape and champion theneeds of local businesses at the heart of EU decision-making.

• Stand strong for a fair deal for our farmers during negotiationson CAP reform, and a real future for our fishermen andcoastal communities.

• Demand the EU lives up to the promises of increased aid,and delivers on the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

• Develop this region's renewables industry, help drive downenergy costs and support an urgent and ambitious globalclimate change policy.

• Use Europe as a platform to uphold the SDLP's foundingprinciples of equality, human rights, social justice andreconciliation in Ireland and throughout the world.

• Just as John Hume championed a “Europe of the regions”,campaign for a new regional policy for the 21st century thatallows all regions to better respond to today’s difficulteconomic environment.




WOWENFISHFARBUSCOPEWOWENFISHFARWOWENFISHFARBUSCOPEWOWENFISH

Published by Gerry Cosgrove, Election Agent,121 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 1SH SDLP

For further information, contact SDLP Headquarters:121 Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 1SH SDLPTelephone: +44 (0)28 9024 7700Email: [email protected]: www.albanforeurope.euBlog: www.maginnessisgoodforyou.eu


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