If we want to steer away from such a gloomy scenario we need to fully embrace the concept of a Social Europe, a Europe in which it is people – not money – that matter. Indeed, I believe that a new Social Europe is required to tackle the vast inequalities that currently exist by focusing upon greater European cooperation towards improving the lives of people in Europe by working for the elimination of social divides, for the creation of more and better jobs, and for a just and fair treatment of all people, irrespective of their financial clout or lack thereof, sex or sexual orientation, race, colour, or creed.

We should all aspire to a stronger voice in Europe. We must ensure a greater degree of transparency and accountability because every decision, from the big policy plans to the smallest of regulations, affects our lives directly. This means that all levels of governance, from the local to the European, must work in synergy and communicate with citizens at grassroots level.

We need to ensure that the issues that are truly on the people’s mind are being addressed by the European institutions. Such issues as better jobs, health care, education and childcare, a clean and safe environment within which to raise our children, consumer protection as well as peace and stability in the EU and globally need to be put at the top of the European political agenda. We need to have a clear political vision and translate it into feasible projects which will make a direct positive impact upon people’s lives.

My pledge is that if elected, through my work within the European Parliament, in tandem with the representatives forming part of the European Socialist family, I will strive to ensure that these issues are brought to the fore and that adequate measures are taken to address them.

It is my belief that if we truly believe in a Social Europe for all, the status quo is no longer acceptable. For instance, we need to strive to ensure that any European worker employed in another member state is employed in accordance with the same rights and conditions as those pertaining to the local employees. Only in this way can there be a truly competitive market eliminating any possibility of abuse. Only in this way can local workers have the peace of mind that their jobs will not be undermined on the basis of cheaper labour coming from abroad, whilst at the same time ensuring that any ‘foreign’ worker is not exploited or treated less favourably than the locals.

My commitment is clear. It is one based on the premise that in everything I do, I pledge to put the people first. It is a philosophy which is based on the understanding that politics is a service to the people, who ultimately are the true owners of any democratic society.

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