Friday, June 5, 2009

Reasons to Vote for Eoin Ryan

  • I will keep on fighting for EU funding to create and protect jobs in Dublin
  • I will persevere in cutting red tape and reducing bureaucracy for Dublin businesses
  • I will fight to stop Irish consumers being ripped off on the high street
  • I will promote consumer rights and ensure that the EU steps up transparency, information and protection for consumers
  • I will continue working with local community groups and at an EU level to combat the problem of drugs in our communities
  • I will ensure that the EU upholds the rights of the poor and oppressed in the developing world and that EU taxpayers' money reaches those it can most help
  • I will promote job creation and community development through incentives for green innovation and environmentally-based Research and Development
  • I will ensure that Ireland and Dublin remain at the heart of EU decision making and that Dublin's best interests are served at a European level
  • I will be an experienced, strong and determined local voice fighting for Dublin in the EU

Eoin Ryan was voted to go to Europe and he went:

  • 11 European Parliament reports/opinions on matters of economic and social importance
  • 91 resolutions on human rights, democracy and the rule of law
  • Europe-wide initiative to stamp out corruption in the EU - http://www.stopcorruption.eu/

Eoin Ryan is an MEP with real political experience:

  • A Councillor representing Dublin Inner City for 15 years and Senator for 3 years
  • A TD representing Dublin South East for 15 years
  • Minister for State with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy for 2 years

Eoin Ryan has a 25 year track record working for Dublin:

  • Delivered funding for urban development in Dublin, including 11 million euro for Ballyfermot
  • Secured 24 million euro for Dublin Local Drugs Task Forces
  • Delivered funding for local sports facilities, including Irishtown Sports Stadium

Eoin Ryan is Pro-Europe and Pro-Lisbon, which is good for Dublin

In recent years the EU has funded:

  • The LUAS
  • The renovation of the Royal Canal
  • High-speed internet for Dublin

Eoin Ryan is making Europe work for Dublin:

  • 350 million euro in European Investment Bank funding secured for Irish small businesses
  • Initiated high-level meetings with key Irish representatives and European Commissioners
  • Maximised access to EU Research and Development funds for Dublin Universities and businesses

Vote 1 Eoin Ryan MEP

Your MEP for Jobs and Investment

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

European Investment is Crucial

I welcome the publication by Chambers Ireland in Dublin today of a new guide regarding how companies can draw down funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The European Investment Bank Smarter Business Guide” will make it easier for businesses to understand how they can access vital funding from the EIB.

As a Dublin MEP, funding for small businesses is an issue that I have campaigned on rigorously.  It is not only about obtaining funding from the EU but ensuring that small businesses are aware of it and can access such funds.  That is why I brought numerous leading small business associations and banking representative groupings to Luxembourg this year to meet with the top representatives from the EIB.

I arranged a meeting with Irish small business associations and numerous banks with the Vice President of the European Investment Bank and leading EIB officials to ensure that Ireland could drawdown these funds in as short a timeframe as possible. 400,000 people are employed by small and medium sized businesses in Dublin alone and these jobs must be protected.

I would like to congratulate Chambers Ireland on the publication of The Guide, a campaign which they championed.  Effective and clear communication regarding EU funding and how to access it is essential so that small businesses can avail of valuable EU funding.  The Smarter Guide provides details of sources of funding which may help small businesses through the current economic climate.

Supporting small and medium enterprises has been an key priority for me as an MEP for the past five years and if re-elected to the European Parliament I plan to continue to fight for funding in this area. Europe is critical to our economic recovery. 

The European Investment Bank has already signed off on a €300 million loan package for Irish SMEs with 3 Irish banks.  We must continue to stay at the heart of Europe.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Fianna Fáil MEP & Cllr. condemn attack on Esther Uzell

Dublin Fianna Fáil MEP, Eoin Ryan and South East Inner City Councillor, Sarah Ryan have condemned the attack and intimidation perpetrated upon local election Independent candidate Esther Uzell in recent days.

Dublin MEP Eoin Ryan stated “This is a disgraceful situation that undermines democracy and cannot be tolerated.  When you have a situation whereby a candidate in a local election is targeted and intimated, who has their car was smashed up less than two days after they announce their candidacy you cannot be anything other than appalled.”

Eoin Ryan MEP continued “As candidates we prepare ourselves for a tough campaign but such acts of violence are beyond anything that any candidate should have to endure.  Those who took part in this attack and despicable attempt at intimidation should be ashamed. 

Councillor Sarah Ryan stated “Having worked with the local community in the area, I know that they are also appalled by what has happened.  It is an issue that is coming up on the doors, there is a real feeling of shock among the community.”

Councillor Ryan concluded “I would encourage anybody with any information regarding their identity to come forward and speak with Gardai.”