Last Monday I was Brussels bound to attend a Foreign Affairs Council meeting that evening and a General Affairs Council (GAC) the next day. As the forum that prepares work for the European Council meeting to follow, the topics for discussion at the GAC were the Swiss referendum on immigration and the more controversial issue of GMOs. Ireland voted not to allow the cultivation of a GM maize crop which was being proposed.
On Wednesday I conducted a Skype interview with Debating Europe, taking questions from young men and women across the EU. I then met with members of the construction industry to hear their concerns and how I might help in advance of a visit I am making to Poland at the end of the month. Wednesday night I canvassed, between the showers, with our local election candidates, Cllr Ray McAdam and Patrick Martin, in North Strand, talking to residents about flooding and insurance.
Thursday took me to IBEC where I spoke to the EU and Trade Policy Committee, followed up by a meeting with BelongTo, which is extending its reach to young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across Europe.
Friday, I had an hour long sit down with the Herald to tell them about how I’m getting on in my new role. Spent much of Friday meeting constituents on a range of issues. This Sunday I will be on RTÉ’s The Week In Politics so some time was also given over on Friday to preparing for that. Saddened to hear of death of Patrick Scott at end of the day. His work has always stood out for me, since I was a teenager, as so modern and accessible. A life so well lived. RIP