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29 May 2009
South Belfast News Platform Article
Europe matters. My party’s European candidate – Jim Nicholson MEP – has reminded us throughout this election that nearly 70% of the legislation coming from Stormont originates in Europe. As Jim has said, “Europe determines the quality of the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe”. This is why voting on 4 June matters.
It is also why Northern Ireland needs Jim Nicholson in Europe. Jim has 20 years experience of building influence for Northern Ireland in the European Parliament. He was instrumental in lobbying for Peace funding which has brought numerous benefits to many community groups across South Belfast. While others have shouted from the sidelines or performed media stunts, Jim Nicholson has been a respected mainstream voice and presence, ensuring that Northern Ireland has won a hearing from other MEPs and from the European Commission.
Jim has also been a strong voice for reform in Europe. We all know that Europe needs to change. It needs more democratic accountability and less bureaucracy. It needs more power given to national parliaments and less power centralised in Brussels. These are the aims and values Jim Nicholson has promoted in the European Parliament.
Northern Ireland’s other MEPs either sit as independent members – having little or no influence – or with extremist groups, such as the Sinn Fein MEP who sits with the Hard Left/communist group. Jim Nicholson is a respected member of the Conservative Grouping in the Parliament. This means that he has behind him the support of a strong group of MEPs, committed to democratic values, giving Northern Ireland more influence and a stronger voice.
It is no secret that I am identified with the centre-left tradition. So why am I backing my party’s link with the Conservatives? The answer is simple and direct: it’s because the Conservatives are strong on the Union. David Cameron – who will be the next Prime Minister – has told the people of Northern Ireland that he wants to be PM of the entire UK, and that includes us.
The Ulster Unionist Party has had an historic relationship with the Conservatives. The Ulster Unionist Party broke that relationship when the Conservatives’ commitment to the Union weakened. David Cameron has acknowledged that mistake and is now determined to maintain and develop the Union. As a Unionist, this is good news for Northern Ireland.
For a strong, respected voice in Europe – and to strengthen the Union I am urging people on 4 June to vote Jim Nicholson 1.
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