NI21 have today (07.04.14) confirmed that Tina McKenzie will stand as candidate in the European elections on 22nd May.

The party – officially formed back in June 2013 at Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre – founded by Basil McCrea and John McCallister – quickly gained momentum around what it described as ‘fresh politics’. With the party conference in November 2013 formalising the former grassroots movement into a proper political entity it brought with it both the initial enthusiasm from political newcomers and the inevitable growing pains in the subsequent months that followed.

‘Positions quickly set them aside from a majority of politicians’

They dared to be different. In support of marriage equality and LGBT rights, these positions quickly set them aside from a majority of politicians at Stormont. However, their stance’s do continue to be divisive, especially their position on ‘dealing with the past’ and many have criticised the length of time it has taken to announce their election candidates. However, today marks the first official announcement from the party – signalling that the ‘big bang’ of council election candidates may also be on the horizon. Sources within NI21 have stated that the party are aiming to run upwards of fifty candidates in a wide range of districts in the province.

The announcement of Tina McKenzie makes sense electorally and tactically. McKenzie, a senior executive and mother of three, has said she wants to bring a message of a united 21st century Northern Ireland to the heart of Europe, breaking down perceptions that we only exist as ‘them and us’.

“I want to maximise the potential of Europe and will focus on getting the best for Northern Ireland not the best for any one community.

Mrs McKenzie realises that even though the job of MEP will focus on a wide range of issues – from the financial to the environmental – the post will largely be fought on local issues. Mrs McKenzie stated that:

“I want to represent and promote our people, their talents, skills, commitment and drive to improve Northern Ireland and Europe. NI21 represents everyone equally with the same levels of commitment and enthusiasm. I will hold the Northern Ireland Executive to account on its European performance, as a member of Northern Ireland’s unofficial opposition.

“Europe needs to become more competitive and attractive”

“Europe represents 7% of the world’s population; it produces 22% of the world’s GDP and accounts for 50% of the world’s social expenditure. To maintain our way of life Europe needs to become more competitive and attractive to investment.

“In Northern Ireland we have an economy which has historically underperformed and with unacceptable levels of youth unemployment in particular, we need a clear focus on jobs and growth. Developing the European economy into a worldwide competitive, knowledge economy is one of the most important challenges for the EU in the years to come.”

At a recent FSB Hustings events, with Basil McCrea sitting on the panel and Mrs McKenzie in the audience (oh, that old bait and switch eh!) it was stated that NI21 was pro-Europe, but wanted to change the perception that Northern Ireland doesn’t have anything to provide.

Mr McCrea stated that:

“I don’t want Northern Ireland to go to Europe in the way it has done in the past with our begging ball out, saying that we are a special case, saying that we can’t really organise our affairs, saying that we can’t do things. I want to go as a confident Northern Ireland, a united Northern Ireland, a Northern Ireland that says we can contribute to Europe – we have much to offer”.

It certainty seems that Tina McKenzie has the skills for the role, if only based on her past career. As a senior Director in the HR services industry Tina has extensive experience of working in Europe.

“Northern Ireland needs to be at the centre of European reform maximising the potential of the single market, European investment, funding, knowledge-exchange and skills development. This is the only way to ensure we have enough good jobs for people in the future, with youth unemployment rates at over 22% this is vitally important.”

“We want to stand on a clear agenda for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and jobs. My background in business means I can get the most for our economy. We need to ensure that the Northern Ireland Executive maximises the opportunities and impact of European funding and investment.”

‘Laying the foundation to move towards a brighter future’

Relating back to Northern Ireland, and the family that lives there, Tina states her resolve for changing politics on the ground. She states her intent to move away from the issues that have plagued the region in the past – flags, parades and sectarianism – and laying the foundation to move towards a brighter future.

“As a mum of three I am passionate about building a better future for Northern Ireland. As a party we are offering the electorate something new, a move away from the tired, tribal, and ineffective politics to a place where we can confidently stand up and be proud to say together we are from Northern Ireland.”

McKenzie said her party is clear about the benefits of remaining in Europe.

“I will argue for Northern Ireland and the UK to stay within a reforming EU, promoting the benefits of the Single Market.

“If the past few years in Europe have shown us anything, it is time to be more competitive. To offer Europe a positive, forward-looking vision of Northern Ireland that isn’t just about pleading special status but about seeking investment and development on the merits of our people.

“We must play our part in reforming Europe, driving forward growth and ensuring that we tap into the diverse range of funding and export opportunities which are available.”

Off The Record contacted Chairman of NI21 East Belfast, Adam Murray, for a comment on how he feels the party has performed to date. He stated:

“NI21 has stuck to its commitment to bring fresh faces to the politics of Northern Ireland, and this is just the beginning. We desperately need fresh blood in NI politics to move NI forward and that’s something we take pride in”

We will be publishing an exclusive interview with NI21’s Euro candidate Tina McKenzie (by the excellent Barton Creeth) later today! For all things 2014 elections, keep it with Off the Record.

Jason Murdock

Jason Murdock Jason Murdock is the Editor of Off The Record and a blogger for the Huffington Post. Interests include local politics, new journalism and the quest for the Holy Grail. Contact: jason.a.murdock@gmail.com or via Twitter @Jason_A_Murdock More Posts - Website Follow Me:



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