Independent TD Michael McNamara to contest European election

James Cox

Clare TD Michael McNamara has announced he will be contesting the European election in the Ireland South constituency as an Independent candidate.

Mr McNamara was first elected as a Labour TD in the Clare constituency in 2011. He failed to retain his seat in 2016, and was re-elected as an Independent TD in 2020.

Mr McNamara has served as chair of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Response. He is a farmer and barrister.

Ireland South is a five-seater constituency for the June 7th elections.

McNamara said: “When the Irish people voted for greater integration of the European Union, they voted to opt out of justice/immigration measures for reasons as valid now as then. This government is intent on ceding these key areas of national sovereignty to Brussels. That’s why, more than ever, we will need representation in Europe asking the difficult questions.

“Over the past few years, many people have felt unrepresented in the making of decisions that affect their lives. I have questioned the Government and tried to make them explain the decisions they make, and I will be asking people for their support to do the same in Europe where more and more of the decisions that affect us in Ireland are made.”

The Independent candidate cited agriculture and renewable energy as key issues for him should he be elected.

“I am committed to protecting family farms, which uphold the highest environmental and welfare standards, from greedy multinational retailers and conglomerates, as well as calling for the introduction of price transparency in the food chain at a European level, which our government has resisted domestically.

“Funding will need to be put in place before farm families on marginal land, who are already under pressure, are required or asked to curtail agricultural activity."

He added: “While immigration reform is being carried out, the European Union must use its position in the world to address the root causes of mass migration.

“I will be a strong advocate for Ireland’s offshore wind energy sector, with its vast potential held back by government inertia, as has our biomethane sector.”