Cork based Solicitor; Susan Doyle has been selected by the Social Democrats to run in June’s European Parliament Elections for Ireland South. Susan visited Kilkenny on Sunday 21st April and met with Martin O’Neill, local election candidate for Kilkenny and David Kane, local election candidate for Piltown.
“I haven’t been to Kilkenny in a few years. It is such a beautiful city, and we had a great day visiting the local sites and we managed to fit in a coffee at Michael Dore’s coffee shop outside the castle. I will definitely be back over the next few weeks.”
“Everyone was so welcoming and raised many issues of concern such as housing and healthcare. Many local residents also raised concerns about the completion of the Northern Ring Road.”
Susan Doyle, a self-employed solicitor, and mother of two said “I will be running as the Social Democrat candidate in the European Elections in June for Ireland South. As a solicitor of 12 years, I have an excellent insight into the issues which affect people on the ground, and I want to use this knowledge to represent the people of Ireland South at an EU level.”
She opened her own legal practice in 2019 which focuses on the areas of immigration, disability law, discrimination and housing law. She has worked extensively with asylum seekers and understands the huge challenges facing the asylum system. “The system is broken and needs urgent reform. Asylum seekers rights are not being respected as a result of understaffing and neglect of the current system. Decisions are taking years to issue in some cases which leaves the direct provision system overburdened and causes massive shortages in accommodation.”
“Immigration is one of the biggest challenges facing the European Union at this time and over the coming months and years, the European Parliament will need strong voices of people who truly understand national, European and international laws so that it can work within the legal framework to develop long term solutions while ensuring that the rights of migrants are fully protected.”
Susan also believes that the European Union has failed in its approach to Gaza. “The people of Gaza deserve better, and a wider range of voices need to be heard at a European level. I am entirely dissatisfied with the approach of the EU. The European Parliament needs to take a stronger stance on Gaza and impose sanctions on Israel. The EU needs to unequivocally condemn Israel’s recent actions in Gaza, not only to bring about a ceasefire but to find long term solutions to the issues facing the region.”
“I also want to prioritise disability rights within the EU. This includes creating full accessibility of goods and services and transport. It also involves ensuring that people with disabilities can fully enjoy their rights under the EU Treaty including the right of free movement and electoral rights. I would also work to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to sport, education, health and housing. The EU is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and I would work to ensure that the Convention is fully implemented at an EU level.”
“I want to be a strong, effective voice for Europe, and I will offer real solutions. If elected, I will be deeply committed to the role, and I hope to get the support of people in Ireland South so that I can represent them in Europe.”
