We only use strictly necessary cookies to provide, secure and improve our service. Learn more
Find your match All Dublin Candidates
Stephen O'Rourke

Stephen O'Rourke

Independent

Dubliners want a candidate who is not a career politician, is fully independent, listens and advocates for Dubliners, has EU experience from a scientific career, and is in it for the right reasons. I'm the ONLY candidate who ticks ALL these boxes! Vote Stephen O'Rourke No. 1!

Priorities

  • Other

    Mental Health Advocacy. Campaign for Mental Health Officers in every County, ensuring local support and resources for mental health issues - EU level.

  • Immigration

    Smart immigration reform. Balanced, community-informed SKILLED immigration policies that ensure sustainable integration and respect for local needs.

  • Other

    Supporting comprehensive addiction recovery by bolstering support systems and services, ensuring accessible help for all Dubliners in need.

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 provides valuable economic and social benefits. However, we must ensure that it respects national sovereignty and addresses local needs effectively."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "While Ukraine's EU membership could strengthen European unity, the country needs to address significant issues like corruption and governance first. EU standards must be met to ensure a smooth and effective integration."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "Tax harmonisation could undermine national sovereignty and flexibility. Countries should maintain control over their tax policies to address their unique economic situations."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "A larger EU budget can support crucial initiatives like infrastructure, education, and social programs, promoting overall growth and reducing inequalities across Europe."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "No. I oppose another term for Ursula von der Leyen due to her involvement in scandals that have undermined transparency and integrity. Europe needs leadership that exemplifies accountability and can restore confidence in ethical conduct."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "Greater collaboration on defence can enhance our collective security. However, Ireland's neutrality should be respected and maintained in any cooperative efforts."

- Stephen O'Rourke
Defence
7 of 21 questions
The EU should have a common army
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "A common EU army could undermine national sovereignty and complicate decision-making. Security cooperation should focus on joint initiatives without forming a unified army."

- Stephen O'Rourke
Defence
8 of 21 questions
The EU should finance more weapons for Ukraine
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Support for Ukraine should balance military aid with diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term peace and stability. Each step should be carefully evaluated for its broader impact."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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 ensures that troop deployments are made with full democratic oversight, respecting Ireland's commitment to neutrality and ensuring careful decision-making."

- Stephen O'Rourke
Foreign policy
10 of 21 questions
The EU should suspend its trade agreement with Israel
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Sanctions should be strategic tools for promoting peace and human rights, not punitive measures. Like the boycotts against apartheid South Africa, EU sanctions should aim to facilitate peace and promote dialogue. Any action should be transparent and focused on positive outcomes."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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
Comment: "Yes, so as to protect national sovereignty. "

- Stephen O'Rourke
Immigration
12 of 21 questions
Ireland should participate in the EU’s new migration pact
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "The Pact is not fit for purpose and places undue pressures on smaller EU countries, like Ireland."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "I believe each member state should have control over its own asylum policies. A one-size-fits-all approach may not consider the unique circumstances and capacities of each country. National sovereignty in handling asylum applications should be respected."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "While humanitarian efforts are crucial, EU search and rescue operations could encourage more dangerous crossings. Focus should be on supporting safe and legal pathways for migrants and addressing root causes in their home countries."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "No, I do not agree. There are too many who are not genuine asylum seekers, and Ireland has taken on too big of a responsibility for our size. We need to ensure we can provide for those truly in need without overwhelming our resources."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "This would help manage the flow of asylum seekers. Although it's a sensitive topic, implementing checkpoints can be a temporary measure until a proper solution and collaboration are in place."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "Rewetting peatlands is crucial for climate mitigation and biodiversity. EU-wide action can provide the necessary resources and coordination for effective implementation."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "I support ambitious climate goals, but we must ensure they are realistic and achievable. While challenging, the 55% target drives innovation and necessary action against climate change, provided we have clear, practical plans."

- Stephen O'Rourke
Environment
19 of 21 questions
More windfarms (including onshore windfarms) should be built in Ireland
  • Agree
  • Neither agree nor disagree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion
Comment: "Expanding wind energy is essential for Ireland's renewable energy transition. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports our commitment to combating climate change."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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
Comment: "Irish farmers face unique challenges, and special treatment can ensure sustainable farming practices without compromising their livelihoods. Balance is key for both environmental and economic health."

- Stephen O'Rourke
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: "We need to balance environmental sustainability with supporting our farmers. Any changes to subsidies should include support for farmers to transition to more sustainable practices without harming their livelihoods."

- Stephen O'Rourke