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A Green view on Brussels

Next month's European elections in Britain see Dr Joseph Healy standing for the Green Party - 20/05/09

I am standing in this election to the European Parliament as a candidate for the Green Party in the London constituency and am, as far as I am aware, the only Irish candidate standing.

Originally from Dublin I came to London in the mid 1980s when the Irish were far less welcome than they are now. Anti-Irish prejudice and comments were rife, but the Irish community was strong and rode out the storm.

I think the experience of being an emigrant and an immigrant has helped me to understand the reality of the European Union and the fact that London is now its most international city.

The role of the European Union in the development of modern Ireland was central and it was only by entering the EU and ending the total trade domination of the UK, as well as by gaining vital European subsidies that Ireland was able to turn its economy and its position in Europe around.

Many laws, particularly those concerning the environment, have their origin in the EU. London, for example, has some of the worst air pollution in Europe and it is EU law that is demanding that the problem is dealt with in a city where 1,031 people died in 2005 because of this problem.

The EU also allows the free movement of labour and has opened Europe up to young Irish people who wish to study and work abroad.

The Greens in Europe are the main political grouping which is seeking to protect the health and welfare rights of migrant workers and their families, as well as to allow EU citizens to take advantage of health and other systems which are open to them.

But there is a dark spectre over Europe and that is Fascism. Parties such as the BNP are intent on driving a wedge between people and are now even trying to appeal to Irish voters after having hated us for years – this is just part of the classic ‘divide and rule’ tactic.

The Greens on the other hand, want to raise our voices in Europe to help those who are disadvantaged and need assistance as well as having a policy of a Green New Deal for Europe, where millions of new jobs will be created through policies such as the free insulation of homes.

I am a modern Irish person and a European and I hope that Irish people will use their votes in this election and not let decisions be made by a handful of people.

For the remainder of this article, see this week's Irish World.