Local Green Party election candidate invited for European Parliament visit to discuss Agricultural policy

Green Party candidate for the Ballinamore LEA, Adam Ó Ceallaigh, attended the European Parliament in Brussels, last week, on the invitation of Green Party MEP for Ireland South, Grace O’Sullivan, and the European Green Party. 

Adam Ó Ceallaigh, the youngest Green Party candidate nationally for the local elections, was selected by the Green Party for the trip, said, "It was fantastic to get an insight into the workings of the European Parliament. I relished the opportunity to learn more about the relevance of EU legislation to our lives at local and national level.”

During his visit to Brussels, Adam actively engaged with MEPs to discuss the pressing issue of the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal. This deal would create a free trade zone between members of the EU and members of Mercosur, the South American free trade area. Conversations centred on strategies to prevent the agreement, given the impact that this would have on Irish farmers.

The youngest Green Party candidate stressed the potential adverse impacts on Ireland, emphasising concerns shared by farmers who fear unfair competition and job losses due to South American products not adhering to equivalent sanitary and environmental standards. 

Adam has said, "Despite the clear impact on European farmers, including farmers in Leitrim, that this trade agreement would have, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s European political parties are in favour of passing this deal. The European Greens are against this deal."

Reflecting on his experience, he expressed gratitude for being invited to Brussels and highlighted the important role that the European Union plays in the lives of Irish people.

The European Union is a driving force for positive change through initiatives like the Common Agricultural Policy and structural funds, the EU ensures fair income for farmers, promotes sustainability, and fuels essential infrastructure development. With a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the EU stands as a key ally in propelling rural prosperity.

As the 2024 Local and European Elections loom on June 7, Adam Ó Ceallaigh has called for Leitrim people to engage with the political system and to get out to vote: "With the rise of the far-right across Europe, the upcoming European Elections are of significant importance and will shape the future of the communities we live in. In the North West, we are fortunate to have a fantastic candidate like Pauline O’Reilly representing the Green Party."