Here are ten of the demands that Joe Higgins’ rasied in his election campaign. He has pledged to stick firmly to his commitment to fight for working people, and be workers’ MEP on a workers wage.

1. Defend workers’ rights and communities against EU attacks

Oppose a Lisbon Treaty mark two, EU Directives and European Court of Justice judgements which are either undemocratic or help bosses to impose a “race to the bottom” and help governments impose charges, like water charges in schools. No to the EU policies that are destroying fishing and rural communities.

2. Defend pay & invest in public services

The budget cuts in pay and services will make the crisis and deficit much worse. Decent pay and public services are essential. End the reliance on the private sector, for massive state investment to develop a strong economy that caters for people’s needs.

3. Tax big business & the super rich

Vast wealth and profits exist that dwarf the budget deficit. However, tax revenue from big business and profiteering is less than 20% of total tax. End the tax paradise for big business – make them pay up.

4. Emergency state action to provide jobs

Establish a real national development plan to create tens of thousands of jobs on environmentally friendly initiatives and in building real public transport, health and education services in all communities.

5. Open up the education system

Scrap the points system and the plans for fees for third level and invest in education for all. For the right of all to either further education, third level courses or proper work upskilling or training.

6. For a real public health service for all

End the two-tier system, end profiteering from sickness. Adequate investment in pub- lic hospital beds, staff and equipment so everyone can get the health care they need.

7. Nationalise the banks and tackle the housing crisis

Nationalise the banks and major building companies, under democratic workers control. For a state-housing plan that outlaws repossessions and reduces total mortgage prices and repayments to affordable levels. Use vacant properties to provide social and affordable homes to rent or buy in properly resourced communities.

8. Build an economy based on needs and environmental sustainability not profit

Nationalise companies imposing job cuts or closures – like Waterford Crystal and SR Technics – under the democratic control and management of working people. For a plan to develop an environmentally sustainable economy geared to people’s needs not profit.

9. Build a new mass party for working people

None of the Dail parties represent working people. In power with Fine Gael, like in the past, Labour will implement disastrous policies similar to this government. A new mass party to represent the interests of ordinary working people is an urgent necessity.

10. International solidarity not EU militarism

For international solidarity and unity of working people. Oppose an EU army and scrap the € billion EU armaments indus- 60 try and use the resources for socially useful projects. Joe Higgins would try to form a real socialist bloc in the European Parliament with MEPs elected from other countries that are genuine activists/socialists.