High-profile Kilkenny politician begins term in prestigious new job

Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has said she is committed to working hard to deliver for the people of Kilkenny on the issues that matter to them as she took up her seat in the European Parliament for the first time this week.

The MEP has become a member of the Regional Development Committee and Employment Rights Committee.

"This week, I have taken my seat in Europe and am looking forward to working hard to deliver for people across the Ireland South constituency," Funchion said.

"As a TD, I have worked hard to deliver for Kilkenny and I am determined to continue this work in Europe. Throughout the election campaign, people across Kilkenny made it clear to me that they want an MEP who will work hard and deliver for the area," she added.

That is what I am committed to doing. This week, I have hit the ground running and will be using my voice in Europe to deliver for ordinary workers and families on the issues that matter to them."

The former Kilkenny TD has joined the Regional Development Committee and Employment Rights Committee since becoming and MEP.

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The newly elected MEP has also criticised the tenure of Ursula Von Der Leyen has the Commission's President.

"As I pledged during the election campaign, I will be voting against attempts to re-elect Ursula Von Der Leyen as Commission President. Her time in office has been bad for Ireland. Her full support of Israel has been disgraceful as the people of Palestine are subjected to a horrific genocide. While in office, several of her decisions have moved towards EU militarisation and undermined Ireland’s neutrality," she said.

"Ireland’s neutrality is not up for grabs and it is crucial that Irish MEPs stand up to any attempts to erode this important policy."

"I am committed to being a strong voice for the people of Kilkenny in Europe," Ms Funchion concluded.