McDonald Nominated For MEP Of The Year

Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald has been shortlisted by the European Parliament Magazine "The Parliament" as a nominee for "MEP of the Year," becoming the first Irish politician to be nominated for the award.

The prestigious annual awards running since 2005, ask MEPs to vote for who they believe to be the most capable Parliamentarians in ten sectoral categories.

Only three MEPs are shortlisted in each category. Ms McDonald has been nominated in the "employment" category.

Speaking from Strasbourg Ms McDonald said "I am delighted that the hard work myself and my team have been making in the field of employment and workers rights is recognised."

The award ceremoney and results will be announced at the Brussels Renaissance Hotel on Tuesday October 9th.

In the nomination announcement, the magazine said that she "has a background of involvement in trade unions and employment and was elected to the European Parliament in 2004.

"This year she has kept employment in focus and has been busy driving a report on the ILO Maritime Labour Convention through Parliament and the Employment and Social Affairs Committee.

"The code was adopted in February this year following MacDonald's close coordination with the Commission and workers' representatives.

"She has also pushed for action to be taken against the growing problem of corporate manslaughter and has worked to support community groups by providing them access to the European institutions.

"MacDonald says this year employment issues will continue to be uppermost in her mind and she will press the EU to prioritise social inclusion.

"She says that she will also be continuing to ask questions on child poverty and pressuring for the empowerment of marginalised groups. Macdonald is also a substitute member on the Civil Liberties Committee."

Ms McDonald will face competition from German socialist Evelyne Gebhardt, an MEP for 13 years.

Ms Gebhardt was responsible for crafting Europe's Services Directive, which is intended to open up the services sector to cross-border competition.

The third candidate in the Employment category is Liz Lynne, who worked for the European Liberal Democrats on employment agreements.