A candidate for Fianna Fáil.
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Biography
Billy Kelleher is a sitting MEP representing the Ireland South constituency and has been a member of the European Parliament since 2019. A former senator, Kelleher has previously served as Minister of State for Trade and Commerce and for Labour Affairs. He is a member of the Renew Europe group in parliament.
Question time
What do you deem the most important issue for the European Union now and what would you like to see happen in that area?
Europe's position as a geopolitical player is incredibly important. While we started out solely as a trading bloc, we are now much more. With this opportunity comes a responsibility to stand up for our common values.
This means that we need to be more assertive in our relationships with the United States and China. We must never bow down to Putin's imperialistic agenda in Russia. If Russia wins in Ukraine, Putin will keep going and threaten Europe's way of life.
Separately, the EU must reconnect with citizens to show the value of EU membership and that the EU is working for them and for their families on a daily basis.
What group will you be aligned with in the European Parliament, should you win a seat? What do you see as their priorities?
Renew Europe - supporting SMEs and reducing the regulatory burden; protecting the Rule of Law and democracy in the EU; fighting for gender equality and speeding up our transition to a carbon-free future.
Why should someone vote for you?
For five years, I have been a proven strong voice for Ireland in the EU. I base my decisions on common-sense and on facts. I don't follow a narrow ideological viewpoint which enables to me to look for solutions that work in the real world.
On issues that matter to Ireland, I have consistently been a champion for our country's interests. I will not and have never supported positions which undermines Ireland's place at the heart of the European Union.
I fight for common sense: Common sense on farming and sustainability, common sense on our energy transition. I call out officials and political leaders when they get it wrong, and importantly I have been on the ground across all of Ireland South for the past five years meeting citizens and working with communities on issues that matter to them.
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