Former Bord Gáis chief hoping to secure Fine Gael nomination for EU elections

Businessman and entrepreneur John Mullins has announced his intention to run for Fine Gael for the Ireland South constituency in the upcoming European elections.

He told The Echo that a Just Transition to climate measures, a new rural pact, planning for housing and infrastructure and a clear, firm migration policy were among the issues he would be hoping to make a difference on if elected.

Mr Mullins, who lives in Castlemartyr in East Cork, said that he was putting himself forward and hoping to get the Fine Gael nomination on March 10 so that the party can return two Fine Gael candidates in the EU election.

He will be seeking to replace MEP Deirdre Clune, also from Cork who announced in November that she will not be seeking nomination from Fine Gael to contest the next European elections.

If elected, he says he will bring “the history of delivery in my business career and a lot in civic society," adding "people know that if I say I’m going to do something, I will deliver.

“If people want me to deliver for them in Brussels, I will do so,” he continued. 

He added: “we need a stronger voice in Brussels, we need to be heard – the EU decides an enormous amount of what happens here.”

“There are so many issues that need to be raised, particularly a new rural pact for people who live in rural areas. I live in Castlematryr and there’s a number of issues there, we need EU grants for road, rail and other infrastructure projects.” 

He highlighted his background in renewable energy, and that he fully understands issues with planning, not just for infrastructure but also for houses.

Saying that migration was currently a “thorny issue” in Ireland, he said “we need to be a lot more efficient in dealing with migration, if it’s economic migration or people coming here from safe countries they need to be processed more quickly but also fairly.

“We also need to create capacity in the system, and we need to be clear and firm - I want to be a voice for Ireland on this issue.” 

Mr Mullins also referenced the ongoing struggle for those involved in agriculture and fishing as a result of EU regulations, saying he would be supporting the Just Transition program.

“I want to make sure that we’re not accelerating too quickly with climate measures and leaving people behind, and I want make sure farmers receive a carrot rather than a stick, that’s very important and the future of farming, we must listen to what the farmers have to say and respond in kind.”