Fianna Fáil select Andrews to run again for Europe

Fianna Fáil has selected Barry Andrews to run again for Europe.

Andrews will be seeking a 2nd term in the European Parliament.

He was the recipient of the “Brexit seat”, which means he didn’t take his seat in the European Parliament until the United Kingdom finally left the European Union in January 2020.

He said “it has been an honour to represent Dublin in the European Parliament for the past four and a half years and it is a privilege to be selected again as Fianna Fáil’s candidate in Dublin.”

“I look forward to campaigning across Dublin over the next four months, engaging with voters and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

He said the upcoming European elections were vital amid ongoing turmoil abroad, with regard to economics, migration and foreign policy.

“As an open trading economy at a time of increasing protectionism, it is important that Ireland makes the case for trade and competitiveness. Ireland’s membership of the EU means we enjoy the benefits of both the Single Market and Free Trade Agreements, supporting more opportunities for sustainable development.”

“It is clear to me that migration is a key issue in Dublin, and across the country, and people are keen to know what part the European Union has to play in this. There needs to be a clear and open discussion about what our obligations are as a Member State while also ensuring that the systems that Ireland has in place are adequate to meet these obligations.

He also tipped the hat to environmental policy, stating “sustainability and the Green Deal are high on the agenda for me as I know they are for many people.”

“I have worked extremely hard in this area – particularly on sustainability around fashion and the emergence of ‘fast fashion’ and the harmful impact that is having and there is still a long way to go to tackle this issue.”

Fianna Fáil joined the Greens and Sinn Féin in selecting their European candidates, with the Greens announcing the incumbent Ciáran Cuffe as their candidate back in September and Sinn Féin selecting Lynn Boylan (who is looking to win back the seat she lost in 2019) and veteran Dublin City Council member Daithí Doolan in December.

Andrews said that 2024 “is one of the most pivotal years for global democracy ever.”

“More than 40 elections across the world are going to shape our future for many years to come. At home in Ireland we have to play our part to ensure we elect MEPs who are not going to pander to far-right ideologies, who are not going to support Russia in their war against Ukraine and MEPs who are going to support a ceasefire in Gaza unconditionally.”

“I have been on the right side of these issues in the European Parliament and if re-elected will continue to be the right side on behalf of the people of Dublin.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said “we in Fianna Fáil believe that the European Union is a fundamental foundation for progress in our country. Ireland must stand with Europe and must stand against the corrosive euroscepticism and anti-democratic regimes which seek to undermine the Union.”

“I am proud that in Barry Andrews Fianna Fáil has a candidate who is known for his hard work on behalf of the people of Ireland. In Barry Andrews, we have a  candidate who not only aligns with Fianna Fáil’s core values but also possesses the necessary skills to navigate the complex landscape of European politics.”

Darragh O’Brien will serve as director of elections for Fianna Fáil, and said that “Andrews is a forceful, pro-European candidate.”

“The values he holds are in step with the vast majority of the Irish population which is overwhelmingly pro-EU. His is a voice of reason and fairness in what is an increasingly fragmented political landscape. I look forward to campaigning with Barry over the coming months and to seeing him return to the EU Parliament as Fianna Fáil’s Dublin representative.”