European Elections: An interview with Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher

Should Ireland leave the EU?

No. Ireland has benefited immensely from EU membership. I believe it will continue to do so in the future as part of a single market of over 500m people.

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

Fianna Fáil believes our priority should be on increasing investment in public services, over reducing the 40% top income tax rate, or the costly Fine Gael promise of abolishing the USC.

Do you support the introduction of a carbon tax?

Fianna Fáil played a leading role in developing the cross-party climate change report, which included a carbon tax, amongst other important measures to tackle climate change. We need to step up to the mark on the defining issue of our age.

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

Yes. The right to protest is important but should be done safely and respectfully. The government should move forward with the promised legislation on this issue.

Should injection centres be allowed?

They should be rolled out on a pilot basis, to test how effective they are in an Irish context to help reduce deaths.

Do you support transgender rights?

Yes.

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

Direct provision is no longer fit for purpose. We need a humane refugee policy, which expedites processing time and ensures legitimate claims are integrated into Irish life.

Should Ireland boycott the Eurovision in Tel Aviv?

Fianna Fáil supports a trade ban on illegal Israeli settlements. We have no plans to call for a boycott of the Eurovison contest.

Should marijuana be legalised?

We support the Medicinal Cannabis Access programme. We have no plans to support rescinding current laws on recreational marijuana use.

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

Big Tech should be regulated to protect content creators and vulnerable users.

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

A United Ireland is a core founding goal of our party and offers immense potential for all people on our island. It should be done through consensus and detailed planning, not kneejerk calls for a border poll.

Who should replace John Delaney as CEO of the FAI?

Niall Quinn.

Any other one thing you want to say?

Across Europe, the threat to democracy and our values must be beaten back. I want to play my part in fighting for our values of decency and fairness in Europe.