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Umar Al-Qadri

Umar Al-Qadri

Independent

Dublin is where I made my home, started a business, contributed to the community as an activist and where I raise my children. If you elect me as your MEP, I promise I will be your Voice in Europe. The Voice of ALL Dubliners irrespective of their background. Empower Dublin's Diversity in Europe!

Priorities

  • Immigration

    Must have a sensible immigration policy and fix the broken asylum system. We must help the vulnerable but not allow exploitation of our IP system.

  • Environment

    Invest in renewable energy to ensure innovative technology and economic growth. Must meet targets & also support stakeholders such as farmers.

  • Defence

    Ireland must maintain its tradition of neutrality and non-alignment. We must invest in our Defence Forces at the same time providing better wages.

These answers were provided by the candidate

EU integration
1 of 21 questions
European integration has gone too far
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "European integration has bolstered Ireland's economy through enhanced trade, investment, and access to a broader market. It has benefited our nation, however we must also seek sovereignty in regard to Migration Pact due to our geographical position and limited resources."

- Umar Al-Qadri
EU enlargement
2 of 21 questions
It would be good if Ukraine joins the EU in the next five years
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "There are several key challenges. Firstly, Ukraine needs to continue its efforts in combating corruption and strengthening the rule of law, as these are critical prerequisites for EU membership. Additionally, ongoing conflicts, particularly the war with Russia are security risks right now."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Economic policy
3 of 21 questions
Corporation tax rates should be fully harmonised across the EU
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I oppose this because doing so will mean that Ireland will loose its competitive advantage if it is harmonised. Economic impact will be devestating for us. It could undermine Ireland's economic model, leading to reduced investment, job losses, and diminished fiscal sovereignty. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Economic policy
4 of 21 questions
The EU budget should be increased, even if this means wealthy countries paying more
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Emerging challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and geopolitical instability demand increase in budget. Wealthy countries should pay more because they have greater financial capacity and have historically benefitted significantly from the single market and other EU advantages."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Commission President
5 of 21 questions
Ursula von der Leyen should receive a second term as Commission President
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Europe is supposed to be the Peace maker & bridge builder. She has indirectly given the green signal to Israel to commit the atrocities. She has Europe let down. Europe must work towards bringing Palestinians and Israelis together and giving equal importance to both while standing for Justice. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Defence
6 of 21 questions
EU member states, including Ireland, should collaborate more on defence and security
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Yes, but Ireland must remain military neutral and non-aligned. We must cooperate more among EU member states on defence and security but should not depend on EU to protect us. We must invest in our Defence Forces. They have been neglected for far too long. Modernisation, Better working conditions ! "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Defence
7 of 21 questions
The EU should have a common army
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Strongly disagree. EU is a Peace Project. We can not allow the militarisation of Europe. We must work towards Peace and Reconciliation in all conflicts. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Defence
8 of 21 questions
The EU should finance more weapons for Ukraine
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I believe while supporting Ukraine is essential, at the same time we must also work towards strengthening democracy in Russia and Ukraine. We must increase efforts in Peace and Reconciliation at the same time. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Defence
9 of 21 questions
Ireland should retain its ‘triple lock’ rule for deploying troops
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The triple lock is essential to maintain our neutrality and non-alignment . FF & FG Government wants to get rid of it. We cannot leave this tradition which has been our strength to negotiate for Peace and Reconciliation in conflicts. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Foreign policy
10 of 21 questions
The EU should suspend its trade agreement with Israel
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Any State that infringes Human Rights and commits genocide must be held accountable. EU must not trade with those who violate environment and are involved in child labour, then how can the EU trade with a State that is committing genodice and murdered more than 35000 ppl in last 9 months alone ?"

- Umar Al-Qadri
Foreign policy
11 of 21 questions
Each member state should have a veto on EU foreign policy
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Immigration
12 of 21 questions
Ireland should participate in the EU’s new migration pact
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "I believe we must opt in for some articles while opt out for others. We must negotiate for this as we are in a unique geographical position. We are also not part of the Schengen Agreement. Brexit and UK's Rwanda policy has a big impact on us. This must be taken into consideration by the EU."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration
13 of 21 questions
Member states should share responsibility for asylum applications in the EU
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Some countries have a bigger role to play in the influx of refugees due to their role in exporting weapons, higher impact on climate. They should therefore have a bigger responsibility. However upholding human rights is essential for all. Ireland can and should have its own humane & sensible policy "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration
14 of 21 questions
The EU should operate search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Saving lives is essential. We cannot allow people to drown but at the same time must have an expedited process of assessing IPA and ensuring deportation upon refusal. Also, integration of successful applications into employment and contributing to the society is essential also. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration
15 of 21 questions
Ireland needs to do more to ensure asylum applicants have suitable accommodation
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland must FIX the broken asylum system. We must have improved reception, faster processing of IPA (within 90 days), deportation by the state upon unsuccessful application and integration into workforce ensuring positive contribution to our society upon a successful application. "

- Umar Al-Qadri
Immigration
16 of 21 questions
There should be checkpoints at the border with Northern Ireland to limit the number of asylum seekers coming to Ireland
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "While I do not want a border, I am in favour of checkpoints. This will be temporary while more resources should be allocated to faster processing of IPA, implementation of deportation upon an unsuccessful application and integration into the labour market upon a successful application where possible"

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment
17 of 21 questions
The EU’s Nature Restoration Law, requiring rewetting of peatlands, should be adopted
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Farmers cannot continue to be excluded from decision-making on vital issues that impact the sector they drive. Protecting biodiversity & our environment is critical to farm sustainability but protecting our environment without farmers consultation is not possible."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment
18 of 21 questions
The EU’s goal of a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is too ambitious
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Achieving such a steep reduction in emissions within a relatively short timeframe could impose significant costs on the Irish economy. Sectors such as agriculture, which is a major part of Ireland's economy, could face substantial challenges in reducing emissions quickly without harming productivity"

- Umar Al-Qadri
Environment
19 of 21 questions
More windfarms (including onshore windfarms) should be built in Ireland
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Ireland has a naturally high wind resource due to its geographical location, making it an ideal location for wind energy production. Capitalising on this renewable resource can provide a significant and reliable source of clean energy."

- Umar Al-Qadri
Agriculture
20 of 21 questions
Ireland should continue to seek special treatment for Irish farmers on the Nitrates (water quality) directive
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Agriculture
21 of 21 questions
The EU should reduce subsidies for high-emissions farming, such as beef and dairy
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Many Irish farmers depend heavily on subsidies to sustain their livelihoods. Reducing these subsidies could lead to significant financial strain, particularly for small and medium-sized farms that rely on beef and dairy production. "

- Umar Al-Qadri