McCann seeks anti-war movement

Eamonn McCann: Iraq war is number one issue for his campaign

Euro-candidate Eamonn McCann has urged those opposed to war in Iraq to back him in the 10 June poll.

Mr McCann, who is standing for the left-wing Socialist Environmental Alliance, urged voters to break out of orange and green politics.

Launching his party's manifesto, Mr McCann said he believed voters in Northern Ireland were engaged in the issues surrounding the war in Iraq.

He called on the taoiseach to rescind an invitation to George W Bush to visit the Republic of Ireland - and tell the US president he is "persona non-grata".

"Let us build a solid anti-war movement in Northern Ireland," said Mr McCann.

He insisted that the war in Iraq was the number one issue for his campaign and said he would be a whistleblower on poor practices if elected to the European parliament.

Mr McCann blamed the European Commission for water privatisation in EU states and said he would oppose charges for water.

"When it comes to the possibility of water charges, I have not heard a single representative from the other parties draw attention to the key role of Europe in the cross-border trade in water."

'Communities oppressed'

Mr McCann, a member of the Socialist Workers Party, was joined by a variety of individuals who are backing the Alliance.

They included members of the Communist Party, the Anti-Racism Network and the travelling community.

The SEA manifesto accused paramilitaries in Northern Ireland of oppressing communities and particularly young people.

It said they operated as another police force and condemned young people in some of the poorest areas to both a punishment beating and a jail sentence.

The SEA said it welcomed the proposed referendum on the European Constitution.

However, it said it was concerned that it would open public services, such as health and education, to privatisation, would increase the militarisation of Europe, encourage investment in nuclear power and make it more difficult for those fleeing war and oppression to obtain asylum in the EU.

"Bread and butter issues have been pushed to the back. It is important that a new form of politics is put to Northern Ireland society," said Mr McCann.