Barry Andrews is a Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin and a member of the Renew Europe group in the EU Parliament. Prior to entering politics, he was a secondary school teacher while also studying law part-time, qualifying as a barrister specialising in child protection law in 1997. He sits on EU committees covering development and international trade.

The most critical issue we face is the need to protect Ireland’s strong voice in Europe at a time of global upheaval and the threat of extremism. A strong European Union, and a strong voice for Ireland in Europe, is essential to the future of the Irish economy, our cost of living, our services and our democracy.

At a time of increasing competition from the US and China, the EU must uphold its position as an attractive place for investment and a global centre for innovation. Building on Europe’s competitiveness is vital to Irish prosperity. There is huge potential for Europe, and Ireland, to become a centre of excellence in innovative technologies that will diversify and secure Europe’s energy supply by transitioning to renewables, deliver high-quality jobs, and cut our household bills.

The EU must continue to adapt to prioritise the quality of life of its citizens. The European Parliament can take stronger action on housing, health and the cost of living. The housing crisis is now Europe-wide. We need extra EU supports for the construction sector and more flexible public debt rules to facilitate greater investment. Fianna Fáil has got Ireland back building again. 100,000 new homes have been delivered in the past four years and investment is at record levels. But not everyone is feeling the benefit yet. We need continued strong leadership at home and abroad on this crucial issue. That is why I have called for an EU Strategy on Housing to take on reforms that could enable the EU to better support Member States in tackling this crisis.

On health, we need a full European Health Union to make medicines cheaper and more accessible in Ireland, increase research into curing cancer and other diseases, and to allow for the Irish pharmaceutical sector to thrive, securing Irish jobs and improving public health outcomes.

Several EU measures have successfully brought down inflation and this needs to continue. We must focus on transitioning to renewables which will have a direct impact on household utility bills. We also need to ensure our agri-food sector thrives to stabilise food prices.

Fianna Fáil is a member of ALDE and will thus be joining the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. Renew Europe is the liberal, centrist pro-EU grouping in the European Parliament with the third largest amount of seats. They have acted as ‘kingmakers’ over the last five years, with the two largest groups, the European People’s Party and the Socialists & Democrats requiring Renew Europe’s numbers to reach a majority. This meant that Renew Europe had huge influence and was able to design and shape many of the key pieces of legislation agreed over the last five years.

Renew’s priorities are about ensuring that the EU:
● protects citizens rights and tackles extremism
● remains competitive economically
● Properly implements green and digital legislation
● Respect farmers while constantly improving green policies
● Promote opportunities and skills through greater education
● Helping small and medium-sized businesses

I am a strong, active and positive voice for Ireland in the European Parliament. I have a proven record as one of the most effective MEPs in the entire Parliament, delivering results that have a real impact on the Irish economy and on our quality of life in Dublin. I want to use my voice to defend Ireland’s core interests, secure our economic prosperity, enhance our reputation abroad and protect our democracy.

There are 1.3 million Irish jobs that are dependent on EU trade links. Electing radical, anti-EU, independent candidates will put the Irish economy, Irish jobs and our standard of living in jeopardy. My experience in the Parliament has shown me that these candidates end up as nothing more than taxpayer funded trolls that do not influence law-making and undermine the European project.

When Ireland joined the EU, we were the most underdeveloped country in Europe – and now, we have one of the strongest performing economies. I have spearheaded initiatives on boosting Ireland’s economy and trade links, securing EU funding for Ireland’s housing sector, ensuring stronger EU action on housing and healthcare, tackling crime and public disorder in Dublin, improving public transport, democratic reform, ensuring a human rights driven foreign policy and defending climate legislation.

My track record shows that I am a strong advocate for Dublin, who puts the wellbeing and interests of Irish people above all.