Clare TD announces he will contest European Parliament elections

CLARE TD Michael McNamara has announced he will be contesting next month's European Parliament elections in the Ireland South constituency as an Independent candidate.

The newly-declared candidate says agriculture and renewable energy will be key issues for him should he be elected on June 7.

Commenting following the announcement of his candidacy, Mr McNamara said: “When the Irish people voted for greater integration of the European Union, they voted to opt out of justice / immigration measures for reasons as valid now as then. This government is intent on ceding these key areas of national sovereignty to Brussels.

"That’s why, more than ever, we will need representation in Europe asking the difficult questions.”  

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Mr McNamara, who was first elected as a TD for Clare in 2011 and again in 2020, added: “Over the past few years, many people have felt unrepresented in the making of decisions that affect their lives.

"I have questioned the Government and tried to make them explain the decisions they make, and I will be asking people for their support to do the same in Europe where more and more of the decisions that affect us in Ireland are made.”

Eighteen candidates have now declared their intention to seek election in the four-seat Ireland South constituency.

Deputy McNamara, who is a farmer and barrister, is the third candidate from Clare to confirm their candidacy ahead of polling day - the others being Independent candidate Eddie Punch from Cratloe and Michael Leahy of the Irish Freedom Party.