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Harkin up for 'MEP of the Year'
11.06.10
ONE of Ireland’s 12
MEPs is in with a chance of being named ‘MEP of the
year’, writes Jessie Magee. North West Independent
Marian Harkin MEP was nominated for the gong by a
pan-European organisation representing carers.
Ms Harkin said she was “hugely flattered” to receive
the endorsement from Eurocarers, an association
whose aims she described as “very close to my
heart”. |
The decision to put the
North West MEP forward for the award comes in
recognition of her steadfast campaigning on behalf
of carers and also to mark 2010 European Year on
Poverty and Social Exclusion.
Speaking from Brussels, Ms Harkin vowed to continue
to champion the rights and interests of informal
carers.
“I hope that my nomination will draw attention to
the unsung heroes of our society - our carers. On
average 80% of care in Europe is provided by unpaid
relatives, friends or neighbours. |
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Despite this fact,
there has been little recognition of the need to
address the issues faced by carers in EU policy,”
she said.
The 6th annual MEP awards ceremony will take place
at the end of September at the European Parliament. |
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