European Elections: An interview with Líadh Ní Riada (MEP) of Sinn Féin

Should Ireland leave the EU?

No. Ireland must to the fore in radically changing the EU - making it work for ordinary people. We need a social, progressive EU which put the interests of citizens before corporations and powerful lobby groups. We say no to militarisation and no to an EU army.

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

It should remain 40% with an income levy of 5% on incomes over €140,000. We need a progressive tax system not big tax breaks for banks.

Do you support the introduction of a carbon tax?

I am completely opposed to a carbon tax on working people and households that are already struggling to get by. Corporations are the biggest polluters of our planet and they should foot the bill for reversing the damage they do.

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

Yes. Women should be able to access medical care without fear of intimidation or harassment.

Should injection centres /wet rooms be legalised?

Yes and within the framework of a comprehensive harm reduction policy. Sinn Féin supported legislation on this issue. We need to acknowledge the reality of the lives of drug users and provide facilities centred on healthcare. International research shows that such initiatives reduce rates of addiction.

Do you support transgender rights?

Absolutely. Transgender rights are human rights. Our government must do much more to advance inclusion and rights for the transgender community.

Would you support an end to Direct Provision while supporting refugees coming to Ireland?

The system of Direct Provision is a basic denial of human rights. It is no way for us to treat people. It should be dismantled and a new, more humane and transparent and accountable system put in place. This new system should be based on internationally accepted protocols which provide dignity for those who are fleeing torture and hardship and want to build a new life in a new place.

Should Ireland boycott the Eurovision in Tel Aviv?

Yes. The Israeli state's barbaric onslaught on the Palestinian people demands it. Participating in this year's Eurovision is condoning genocide. The Eurovision Song Contest should not be used as a tool for Israel to whitewash its daily human rights abuses.

Should marijuana be legalised?

I'm completely in favour of the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

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

The biggest issue here is regulation. I donÕt believe we can rely on huge social media companies to self-regulate. It doesnÕt work. Sinn FŽin has proposed a Bill to establish a Digital Safety Commissioner based on a proposal from the Law Reform Commission. I believe this strikes a good balance between ensuring abusive or harmful material is taken down and allowing for freedom of speech

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

Definitely. We should have a Unity Referendum. I believe the majority of people on the island would support the unification of our country. The recklessness of the Tory Brexit has reshaped this conversation and accelerated the process.

Who should replace John Delaney as CEO of the FAI?

I would be slow to give a name. All of the stakeholders involved in promoting and advancing soccer in Ireland must have an input in order to get things right. The process also needs to be fair, transparent and accountable.

Any other one thing you want to say?

232,000 children are living below the poverty line. More than 10,000 people are homeless. We need a radical change in policies and political culture in Ireland. Everybody deserves a decent life. This means ensuring strong public services and an economy built on good jobs with fair wages.