European Elections: An Interview with Labour's Sheila Nunan

Should Ireland leave the EU?

No. Ireland has benefitted greatly from our membership of the European Union, since we joined in 1973. We can move and work freely across the EU, our small businesses can more easily trade with our neighbours, and EU investment has transformed Ireland. Our membership to has had a profoundly positive impact on workersÕ rights and equality. Working together with our EU neighbours we can tackle the contemporary challenges which, in a globalised world, can no longer be tackled by countries acting alone.

What should the top rate of income tax be in Ireland?

It's a mistake to focus on the top rate in isolation. The question is effective tax rate, tax avoidance and whether the overall tax system is robust. We really need to invest in our public services.

Do you support the introduction of a carbon tax?

Yes, the carbon tax is a key requirement which will help us to achieve our climate change targets, but it shouldnt adversely affect low-income households and those who can least afford it.

Are you in favour of exclusion zones around clinics providing abortion services?

Abortion is legal in this country.  Anyone seeking access to lawful medical services should not be subjected to intimidation.

Should injection centres be allowed?

Medically supervised injection centres are proven to prevent fatal overdoses and greatly reduce blood-borne infections, such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Nobody deserves to die on our streets.

Do you support transgender rights?

That this should be a question, in Ireland, in 2019 is somewhat shocking. Absolutely. I have actively worked with inspiring organisations such as TENI to support teachers who want to create safe and inclusive classrooms in which their trans students can thrive.

Would you support an end to direct provision while supporting refugees coming to Ireland?

Direct provision was only ever supposed to be an interim measure. We need to do better.

Should Ireland boycott the Eurovision in Tel Aviv?

A boycott would send a message to Israel on the need to respect the Palestinian people and their claim for statehood.

Should marijuana be legalised?

Yes.

Should tech firms like Facebook and Twitter be subject to the same laws as other media and publishers?

We regulate the media in this country to ensure a high quality of ethical standards and behaviours, in these important mediums for communicating with the public at large. As social media companies move into this space, facilitating similar communication in the public domain, it is right that they should meet similarly high ethical standards.

Are you in favour, in the long term, of a United Ireland?

I'm in favour of peace. I'm in favour of reconciliation. I'm in favour of all the work that went into the Good Friday Agreement. On a United Ireland, this would need to be on consent model: it can't just be 50 per cent plus one. Labour has called for a new, inclusive, Ireland forum, to contemplate what unification with the people of Northern Ireland would actually mean.

Who should replace John Delaney as CEO of the FAI?

Good corporate governance is essential if we are to have trust in organisations like the FAI.

Any other one thing you want to say?

I'm standing for election to the European Parliament. Your questions, important as they are, could be for any election. In the aftermath of Brexit, our relationship with the EU is more important than ever. I wonder why you haven't asked about farmers? Fishermen? Social issues which Europe is due to explore?