Blog Archive
Final call for Yes vote in Lisbon Treaty
Posted on September 29, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Time is drawing nearer now on the Lisbon Treaty referendum and I’d like to take one last opportunity to stress the importance of securing a Yes vote in Ireland.
As MEP for Munster/Ireland South I am in strong position to identify the huge benefits that Europe can bring to Ireland.
By ratifying the treaty, it will clearly demonstrate that Ireland will work with Europe to find an achievable solution to our current economic problems. For this reason especially it is so important to send a clear signal to Europe expressing that Ireland is a fully engaged member state, willing to work together towards economic stability.
Visit to Ploughing Championships
Posted on September 24, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Yesterday I spent the day at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co. Kildare with my party leader, Eamon Gilmore and fellow labour representatives.
It struck me see the huge number of farmers and agri-business sector workers I met and spoke to who are totally disillusioned by the current government and their plans to cut vital agriculture schemes.
As a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in the European Parliament, I especially can identify with the severe degree of suffering endured by those in the Irish farming industry. The anger and frustration that is being caused to these hard-working people is just unacceptable.
Thankfully Irish farmers have an option to challenge some of the difficulties facing the farming sector – the Lisbon Treaty.
Permanent link | Categories: Agriculture
Yes to Lisbon campaign in North Tipp
Posted on September 18, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Today I spent a number of hours meeting people on the streets of Nenagh and Roscrea to discuss the importance of voting Yes to the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum.
As part of the Yes to Lisbon campaign, other well known political figures such as former Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald and Pat Cox, Director of the Ireland for Europe Campaign and former President of the European Parliament were also in the North Tipperary region. An overall strong cross-party representation went to show just how important a Yes vote really is for Ireland.
Celebratory Night
Posted on August 29, 2009 by Alan Kelly
On Saturday night we had a great evening in the Lakeside Hotel where a crowd of approximately 1500 came along for great party that extended late into the night. I was delighted to have Deputy Party Leader Joan Burton to address the crowd along with Jan O'Sullivan TD, Ciaran Lynch TD and Kathleen Lynch TD. Also present were loads of our party Cllrs from around the four corners of Munster and further afield along with my Tipperary colleague Senator Phil Prendergast.
The Reno Showband played the night away and there was a special guest appearance from Rapper GMC. It was amazing how many knew the words of his infamous Election Rap!
Celebratory Party
Posted on August 11, 2009 by Alan Kelly
If you would like to attend please drop a line to alan.kelly@oir.ie or call 067 34190.
Permanent link | Categories: Alan Kelly MEP
European Committee's Picked
Posted on August 10, 2009 by Alan Kelly
I've chosen the two Committee's I'll be sitting on in the European Parliament. They are the Internal Market Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. I think they are two very important areas and I'm delighted to have got them. The Internal Market Committee deals with how efficiently we can ensure the market works; breaking down barriers, ensuring proper regulation and protecting businesses and consumers alike. It has been one of the most hardworking Commitee's in the parliament in the past and gets through an awful volume of work. Issues that are coming down the line soon are the Consumers Rights Directive and the issue of Late Payments, particularly from state organisations.
First Day in Parliament
Posted on July 15, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Yesterday was the first day of the new European Parliament in Strasbourg. On a personal level it was a great day for me to finally begin my work as the new MEP for Munster. I felt a sense of history as the first MEP since Eileen Desmond to represent the Labour party in my area. I was also delighted to be part of a new Labour team with Prionsias De Rossa and Nessa Childers.
Permanent link | Categories: EU Alan Kelly MEP
Chasing the Lions!
Posted on July 02, 2009 by Alan Kelly
Regina and I went to South Africa for a break after the election and took in the final Lions test match. It was great to be there to support the Irish players, particularly the Munster lads and the captain Paul O'Connell. It was a brillant occasion. We happened to be joined in Joburg by my parents who got a last minute trip there as well. So it was a bit of a family occasion that I would not have dreamed of happening a few weeks earlier.
Permanent link | Categories: Lions Munster Paul OConnell Alan Kelly MEP
Coming Back Home
Posted on June 11, 2009 by Alan Kelly
I got back to my home village of Portroe early on the 9th to be met by a huge crowd of supporters and well wishers. I have to say it was one of the most special nights of my life. Before that I was met by a large convey of cars at the county bounds near Limerick to welcome me home. We proceeded in a convey through Nenagh and out then to Portroe. The village of newly elected Cllr. Jonathan Meaney, County hurling manager Liam Sheedy (and goalie Darren Gleeson), the brillant musician Gerry O'Connor and of course Aoife Kelly, our Rose of Tralee. It is a small parish but one of the most united in the country and I'm exceptionally proud to come from there.
Permanent link | Categories: Portroe • Nenagh • Sean Creamer • Jonathan Meaney • Labour • Ireland South • Munster • Tipperary
