European Elections: An interview with Fine Gael's Mark Durkan

Should Ireland leave the EU?

No. We have seen the benefits that membership has given and will continue to give us. For Ireland to follow the UK's chaotic decision to leave would be a terrible national statement. We now need to build stronger alliances as we work to address challenges within the EU.

What should the top rate of income tax be in Ireland?

A tax system must have fairness at its centre. The top rate of tax should be at a level which ensures that those who can contribute the most do so. As MP, I voted for a new higher tax band over £100,000, while also supporting higher personal allowances for the lower rate.

Do you support the introduction of a carbon tax?

We must protect our planet. If we are serious about 'polluter pays', that extends to us as end-consumers. A carbon tax can change behaviour by industry and individuals by pricing environmental costs into our choices. Fairness rebates for those less able to pay and with less fuel choice would be needed. Revenue raised should also be applied to climate action measures.

Are you in favour of exclusion zones around clinics providing abortion services?

Yes. No one should feel intimated or be harassed in what should be their free personal movement in relation to any legal service.

Should injection centres be allowed?

I want to ensure that individuals suffering from drug addiction are supported in a way that improves their health and that they have access to medical and social supports. Supervised injecting facilities are not about promoting the use of drugs, but instead are about reducing harm.

Do you support transgender rights?

I have always believed in supporting the rights of those who are marginalised, not least by listening to the unequal life experiences they want changed. We need to protect trans people in Ireland from the various layers of exclusion, discrimination, harassment and violence they often face.

Would you support an end to direct provision while supporting refugees coming to Ireland?

Important reforms to the overall system have been introduced and these need to be fully applied for the future.  I have a strong record on refugee rights and I support allowing their continued entry to Ireland.

Should Ireland boycott the Eurovision in Tel Aviv?

Vindicating the Palestinians' rights would not be helped by boycotting the Eurovision. I support the government's efforts to secure a broader political peace deal and a stronger Europe-wide approach.

Should marijuana be legalised?

I have campaigned for medicinal cannabis and it should be available where it can be shown to have a clear benefit to patients, following formal clinical evaluation. I am less sure regarding recreational use. I think the scientific evidence raises issues that need to be answered before I could fully support legalisation.

Should tech firms like Facebook and Twitter be subject to the same laws as other media and publishers?

Tech firms play a key role in how people access news and information. We regulate how newspapers and broadcast media operate, so I donÕt think the tech firms should be any different. This is not about restricting freedom of speech but protecting it.

Are you in favour, in the long term, of a United Ireland?

I support a United Ireland. We wrote the key 'unity by consent' precept into the Good Friday Agreement. I stressed this in Brexit debates in the Commons, and worked with Enda Kenny to ensure that both the UK Government and EU 27 confirmed that a vote for a United Ireland would mean that Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that could rejoin the EU without article 49 negotiations (unlike Scotland). While protecting the Agreement and restoring its institutions is the short term priority, we also need to frame a constructive, positive and serious debate for a Untied Ireland.

Who should replace John Delaney as CEO of the FAI?

My daughter Dearbhail, while a bit young for the CEO role, is a huge League of Ireland fan, absolutely passionate about Derry City FC. Largely thanks to the media, we all know that the FAI needs to have good governance at its core.

Any other one thing you want to say?

This European election is not just important due to Brexit. We need strong positive Irish voices to take on the populists who not only want to undermine the EU, but to overturn the social rights and environmental standards it has ensured.