Midlands-North-West MEP Maria Walsh has expressed serious concerns over the election of Donald Trump as President of the US.
Trump’s return to the Oval Office, she said, should be a wake-up call for the EU on security and democracy.
“While I fully respect the democratic outcome, I have serious concerns about the policies and positions President Trump campaigned on,” said MEP Walsh, who was born in the USA and holds both Irish and American citizenship.
“I fear how his views and policies could negatively impact women, minority and marginalised groups in society and how his actions may influence others around the world.”
The Fine Gael MEP said that the election brings the topic of defence to the fore for the European Union.
She said: “The European Union needs to be better prepared in terms of security, while respecting the position of those Member States who are military neutral. Our businesses and communities need continued EU support through investment, greater competitiveness and job creation. We also need to ensure better future preparedness in case of unforeseen crises, like another global health pandemic. That all requires a robust EU budget and ensuring the Union is ready to react quickly and effectively when needed.
“There is an opportunity for the EU to have a stronger voice on the world stage: by promoting its founding values and defending democracy. The incoming new High Representative, Kaja Kallas, will have an incredibly important role in that regard.”
MEP Walsh said the EU can be a ‘beacon of hope’ for global democracy by standing up for its values of Human dignity; Freedom; Democracy; Equality; Rule of law; Human rights.
She concluded: “From an Irish perspective, I have no doubt that Ireland and the USA’s historic bond will remain strong. The unique legacy of the Irish in American is evident right across the US.”
