Niamh Hourigan has been a sociologist for over 25 years. Before taking up her position at Mary Immaculate College, she was the head of the sociology department at University College Cork and worked as a lecturer at the University of Limerick. She is a member of the Teaching Council, the Board of the Central Applications Office (CAO), and the Department of Justice’s Review Team of Civil Legal Aid. This is her first time running in an election.

I think the Climate Crisis is the most important issue facing the European Union and I would like to see the EU respond to it in a fair and equitable way In addition to the obvious environmental concerns around climate change, it is also wreaking havoc on workers in agriculture and other industries and appropriate supports for these workers needs to be to the fore of any climate change policies.

I will be aligned with the Socialists and Democrats (S&Ds) – the Labour Party is a member of the Party of European Socialists which is represented in the parliament by Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. The S&Ds are the second largest political grouping in the European Parliament and Ireland currently has no representation in them, which is very concerning. If elected I will be prioritising a Just Transition, a European Plan for Affordable Housing and the protection of Irish neutrality within common security and defence policies.

I have worked intensively to draw attention to inequality and social exclusion during my 25 years work as a sociologist and media contributor with a particular focus on translating research in action on the ground. I believe can make a strong contribution as a representative for Ireland South, particularly for those in the Mid-West who have lacked proper European representation for 10 years.