Fianna Fáil European Election Candidate in the Midlands North West Constituency, Senator Lisa Chambers, has written to each of the Party Leaders of the Coalition government including her own Party Leader, Fianna Fáil Party Leader, Tanaiste Micheal Martin T.D. calling on them to come together and ensure Ireland secure the European Energy Commissioner post in the next Commissioner rotation.
Senator Chambers stated that “Ireland should be strategic in seeking a European Commission portfolio of direct relevance to all Irish citizens, and the Energy portfolio is crucial in that regard”.
Senior Fianna Fáil party members, Deputies Éamon Ó Cuív, Robert Troy, Timmy Dooley and John McGuinness have all come out in support of the proposal.
Addressing the coalition government's leadership — Fianna Fáil Party Leader and Tánaiste, Micheál Martin T.D., Fine Gael Party Leader and Taoiseach Nominee, Minister Simon Harris T.D., and Green Party Leader, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. — Senator Chambers has made a compelling case for Ireland to actively seek the Energy Commissioner portfolio. In a demonstration of political unity and forward-thinking, she asserts the importance of this role for Ireland's strategic interests within Europe.
Senator Chambers has highlighted that, according to the collective understanding of Fianna Fáil and respecting the conventions of government role rotation and parliamentary strength, it is the prerogative of Fianna Fáil to nominate the next Commissioner. The Senator's communication underscores the belief that an Irish candidate, particularly one backed by Fianna Fáil, with a deep understanding of national governance and the capability to build synergies at a European level, is uniquely qualified to champion the Energy portfolio. A number of party colleagues have emphasised the next Commissioner should be a Fianna Fáil nominee. Senator Chambers said: “I do expect this matter to be put to bed before Tuesday’s vote for Taoiseach”, a sentiment echoed by her colleagues Deputy Timmy Dooley and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin.
The urgency of this initiative is underlined by the challenges Europe faces in securing energy independence — a situation brought into stark focus by the conflict in Ukraine and the resulting energy supply instability across the continent. The Senator’s strategy emphasises the benefits of leveraging Ireland's significant wind resources off the West Coast to address these challenges, thereby contributing to the broader European energy transition.
Senator Chambers has outlined a vision that transcends immediate crisis management, aiming to drive economic growth and transformation across Ireland's Western seaboard. This strategy promises to revitalise communities from Donegal to Cork, creating employment opportunities for the youth and fostering sustainable economic development.
Furthermore, Senator Chambers proposes the establishment of an annual global conference on Energy and Climate Change in Ireland, emulating the influential Davos forum, to position Ireland as a central figure in these critical discussions, starting in Mayo in 2025.
In her bid for the European Parliament, Senator Chambers is poised to ensure that Ireland's voice is heard at the heart of Europe, advocating for an initiative that aligns with Ireland’s national interests and the broader objectives of the European Union.
Ahead of the European Parliament elections, Senator Chambers has requested meetings with each of the coalition party leaders to advance this discussion. Her proactive stance signals a commitment to reinforcing Ireland's role as a leader in the sustainable energy sector and addressing climate change on a global scale.
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