Three Midlands Northwest MEP candidates argue whether Ireland “outsources” too many issues to the EU, such as migration.

Aontú leader and MEP candidate Peadar Tóibín said he is running because he wants “the Government to stop outsourcing things to the EU”. 

“I do believe that we need self-determination, but if you look at the Government, they're outsourcing powers on the EU Migration Pact, they’re outsourcing powers in relation to farming,” he told The Hard Shoulder. 

“They're outsourcing powers in relation to the military and the future. 

“Even in foreign policy now, we've Ursula von der Leyen, striding the world stage, distorting Ireland's foreign policy, while we're you know, just grumbling in the background.” 

Incumbent MEP candidate Maria Walsh argued Mr Tóibín’s reasoning has nothing to do with actual work in the European Parliament. 

She claimed Irish representatives do far more at a European level than some would expect. 

“There's an excess of 20 committees, we cover everything from how products and consumers consume to equality,” she said. 

“I worked on the Equal Pay to eradicate the 14% pay gap between men and women. 

“70% of what we work on comes back to this country and it's incredibly important that we send people who want to work want to work right across the political groupings. 

“Those who are running to focus on national issues should stay at the national level.” 

Mr Tóibín argued many issues operate on a national and European level, such as the price of fuel and housing, and it’s important to have someone with Irish interests operating within the EU. 

"I would like to see a little bit of a little bit of flexibility in the terms of the EU rules on our budgets to allow us to spend more on the capital side, the housing side to make sure that people can get houses," he said.

Euro-critical MEP

Current MEP Luke Ming Flanagan agreed with Ms Walsh that MEPs cover several areas of work in the European Parliament – but said people should not vote for Fine Gael candidates. 

“If people vote for Fine Gael, they will be electing people who will go in there and vote for Ursula von der Leyen,” he said. 

“I have one question - does Ireland want that?  

“The fact that we have recognised the state of Palestine is absolutely wonderful - but it is sending mixed messages while at the same time supporting someone who actually called for unconditional support of Israel.” 

Ms Walsh said she did not agree with Ms Von der Leyen’s original response to Israel’s reaction to October 7th. 

She argued now is the time to maintain a “strong Europe” and work with the other 27 member States. 

Voting for local and European elections takes place on June 7th. 

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