PRESS RELEASE
On Thursday, 15th May 2014, Young Friends of the Earth Ireland will host a European elections debate with a difference. As part of the European-wide “Politics for People” campaign in the run up to voting day on 23rd May, we have been engaging with young people around Ireland and the Irish European Parliament candidates, on key EU-Irish environmental issues.
The event will take place in The Greenhouse Eco-UNESCO on 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2 from 7-9pm. It will be an informal, interactive evening where young people will get a chance to meet and talk face-to-face with the candidates during ice-breaker games and discussions. The power play between politics, citizens and corporate lobbyists will be displayed with life sized models, a peacock and a vulture, made by local DLIADT students.
Nicola Winters, coordinator of Young Friends of the Earth Ireland said “It is imperative that young people realise that their voice can really influence political outcome at a European level. This is especially important when it comes to decisions concerning the environment. The majority of positive environmental legislation and policy in Ireland has been instigated at an EU level. There are a number of key decisions that will be made by MEPs in the coming year that will affect our transition to a sustainable and just society, and we want to get this message through to young people.”
Meadhbh Bolger, also from Young Friends of the Earth Ireland commented, “many young people feel disconnected from their elected representatives and lack concrete knowledge as to how they actually represent us on a day-to-day basis, and how their actions can trickle down to affect our everyday lives. We are hoping to break down these barriers and really engage citizens with their future representatives”.
As well as engagement on environmental issues on a national level, the key focus of the European-wide “Politics for People” campaign tackles the often non-transparent and secretive corporate lobbying that occurs in Europe, where profits are favoured over the environment and society. There is a call for all MEP candidates around European to sign a pledge which states:
“If I am elected as an MEP, I will stand-up for citizens and democracy against the excessive lobbying influence of banks and big business.”
The links between corporate lobbying and how it prevents important positive environmental decisions getting through will be highlighted on the night. We will also be providing tasty eco-friendly treats.