Fine Gael TD for Cork North West Michael Creed has this morning called on the Government, and the leadership of all political entities in Ireland, to unite behind a shared drive for a pan EU solution to the refugee crisis across Europe. Commenting on the matter Deputy Creed said;
“Ahead of a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on the refugee crisis, it is now imperative that our political leaders from all Parties and Groupings set aside political and ideological differences on this matter and urge the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Government to lead the drive for a Common EU policy to comprehensively address the evolving refugee crisis
“The EU as a policy making entity has shown throughout its history, the capacity to develop monumental common policies such as the CAP and monetary Union. Now is the time to step up to potentially the greatest humanitarian crisis of this Century and take action. Ireland as a member state needs to be in the vanguard in addressing this issue, showing initiative and leadership and a willingness to contribute.
“This crisis poses potentially the most significant political threat to the stability of the EU project. The rise of ultra-nationalists at local and European elections points to an alarming trend throughout Europe. Only a coherent, comprehensive and unified approach will suffice primarily to save the thousands of lives that are at risk, but furthermore quelling the existing self-interest that prevails in many member states at present, by equating the very survival of the EU with the solution of the refugee crisis.
“Of course an international response is also required to address the larger security issues at play here. However as a member state and as national politicians we must ensure that our role can be fulfilled as effectively and comprehensively as possible”