IT SEEMS THAT the historic events over the past year in America and particularly within American politics has somewhat inspired the MEPs running for European election in ‘wee Norn Iron’. Obama’s message of hope and transformation that won him the position of 44th President of the United States of America over Republican candidate John McCain is one that is becoming a trend among politicians around the globe. "Vote for change" is the slogan at the very heart of UUP candidate Jim Nicholson’s electoral campaign, as a member of the UUP observed at a recent press conference, "We are putting forward the most experienced candidate, together with the best policies, standing on a platform for comprehensive change in Europe". Change in Europe? Change in Northern Ireland? What exactly do they mean?
When conversing with my fellow first time voters, I posed the question, "In your opinion, what would be a positive change in Northern Irish politics that you would like to see?" Initially, some of my responses where no more than a number of blank expressions. However, some young political enthusiasts commented that they would be keen to see a change in the "setup" of the political parties. They believed that encouraging the public to "vote for change" should be a message that unifies all people throughout the province and not just "one side" of the community. They believed that, "the days of sectarian politics and sectarian voting are over, especially within the European Arena, what religion or background you are from does not determine your eligibility as a great ambassador for Northern Ireland in Europe."
Check the official campaign videos below for some of the political parties involved in the campaign and decide for yourself if their idea of "change" is relevant to Europe and as inclusive as Barrack Obama’s.
