manifesto booklet - eldr council delegation
DESCRIPTION
2012 - This booklet contains election statements provided by the 24 candidates for The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR). A panel of 8 is to be elected.TRANSCRIPT
ELDR Council Delegation
PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BALLOT PAPER CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU VOTE
This booklet contains election statements provided by the 24 candidates for The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR). A panel of 8 is to be elected.
Please read the enclosed information before casting your vote.
Any questions about the ballot should be addressed in writing to:
David Allworthy, Head of Compliance and Constitutional Support, Liberal Democrats HQ, 2nd Floor, 8-10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE, or by email at [email protected]
MANIFESTO BOOKLET
C3164_P6
ELDR Delegation Remit
The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party (ELDR) is the European Political Party to which the Liberal Democrats belong. Since its beginnings in 1993, the party has grown, with current membership of 48 European Political Parties with common liberal, democratic and reform ideals and is the forum for member parties to develop a co-ordinated policy. Within ELDR, we are the strongest delegation, with 12 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and Lib Dem Graham Watson MEP leading the ALDE Group (MEPs). The membership of the ELDR Party is composed of member parties, affiliate parties and individual members, and also incorporates LYMEC, the youth movement, which brings together more than 170,000 young liberal Europeans
Aladdin Ayesh
Statement not received by deadline
For experience, commitment and abilityVOTE
BELLL
Jeremy BELL 1
Jeremy
A life at the sharp end:A recently retired career diplomat,Jeremy Bell has unmatchedinternational experience over 60 years,34 spent on the diplomatic front line,managing problems and seekingliberal solutions through dialogue.Born in Tanzania, brought up in thePacific islands and Nigeria, he joinedthe FCO in 1974. Postings include theNetherlands, Bahrain, Vietnam, Japan,Botswana, Kenya and Afghanistan.Visits to over 100 countries.His final overseas job was as UKDeputy Permanent Representative tothe UN Environment and HumanSettlements Programmes in Nairobi.The role included acting as EU chiefnegotiator in debates over thePalestine Occupied Territories andadvising ministers at global conferences.Currently Jeremy advises a crisismanagement and emergencyresponse firm on overseas business.Married to a Japanese national withtwo daughters still at school. Interestsinclude rowing, walking, ‘foreign partsand peoples’ and the reality behindhistory, i.e the truth.
Policy priorities for ELDRWork constructively and sensitively topromote liberal and democratic ideas andparties and recruit new members to theliberal ‘family’. Encourage ELDR parties to speak outstrongly on human rights, both inside andoutside the EU. Promote a tougher EU and ELDR linewith autocratic regimes, support for anti-corruption drives and free and fair trade. Actively pursue a more pro-active EUforeign policy and Lib Dem input into it.
“My key skills are the nuts and bolts of doing business with politicians all overthe world. A passionate liberal all my life, I want to improve the way we promoteour ideas in Europe and globally. Please give me your first preference.”
VOTE Bob Blezzard
NUMBER ONE PREFERENCE FOR ELDR COUNCIL
Dear Colleague
I am again seeking your support for election to the ELDR Council. My details which you may find useful are as follows:
I have served the Isle of Wight Local Party in various capacities including Chair, Secretary and Policy Forum Co-ordinator since 2004; Agent at the 2005 and 2010 General Elections and the 2005 and 2009 local elections plus several by elections; Member of the Lib Dem delegation to every ELDR Congress since 2005, all at my own expense; I am well travelled in Europe, particularly former Warsaw pact states.
I am an enthusiastic but not uncritical supporter of the European Union, recognising that reform is essential and overdue if the institution is to be sold to an ever more sceptical British people. I support the “One Seat” campaign to stop the waste of time and money with the monthly jaunt to Strasbourg.
I support the further expansion of the EU into the Western Balkans and Turkey subject to those countries meeting the Community’s economic, social and human rights requirements.
I confess to being less than enthusiastic about our participation in the Coalition, but given that we are there, we should strongly encourage our side of the Government to be as effective in promoting the EU case as the Tory Eurosceptics are in opposing it.
Within the ELDR party I want us to continue championing social justice and the protection of minorities, where regrettably some of the member parties do not always share our views. I believe that I can be a positive member of the Council in this respect.
Thank you for your attention and please vote BOB BLEZZARD NUMBER ONE at this important election. Yours sincerely PLEASE MAKE ME YOUR NUMBER ONE Bob Blezzard PREFERENCE AT THIS ELECTION
WWWWWhahahahahat I can delit I can delit I can delit I can delit I can delivvvvver with yer with yer with yer with yer with your Supporour Supporour Supporour Supporour Supporttttt
It’s an opportunity for us, the LiberalsDemocrats in government, to support theEuropean Liberal Group with a direction on theeconomic, environmental and political challengesfaced across Europe.
I believe Europe has a strong potential todeliver improvements in observing Humanrights as part of an ethical foreign policy on aidto developing countries without beingconstrained by the “National Interests” that has allowed individualcountries to mix it up with industrial corruption and weakening ofdeveloping nations’ infrastructures.
I have campaigned for human rights, civil liberties and social justicefor a number of government sponsored persecution of minoritycommunities, in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Kashmir, India,Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. My two decades ofcampaigning on Lib Dem platforms at frontline on council andparliamentary campaigns, backroom committees and having served anumber of civil liberties campaigns, provides me the understanding,passion, enthusiasm and ability to serve the party with an internationalvision.
As a member of the ELDR, I hope to promote liberal, tolerant,democratic values and to promote fairness, equality and social justicethrough engagement with the European family of Liberal Parties. I hopeyou can support me with your 1st preference.
Nasser Butt For E.L.D.R.your 1st Choice
Nasser Butt 1st Choice
Seeking your support to serve on the ELDRWebsite: nasserbutt.Com m. 07710 389336 Email- [email protected]
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1George
NEVILLE FARMERYOUR NUMBER 1 CHOICE FOR
ELDR DELEGATION 2013/4
WHO AM I?My name is Neville Farmer.I am a writer, a producer ofaward-winning televisionprogrammes and a dedicatedSocial Liberal Democrat. Inmy years in the party, I havestood for council in Westmin-ster and for Parliament inWyre Forest, where I amcurrently local party Chair. Iam on the PCA executive andam Vice Chair of the ChineseLiberal Democrats. I am asupporter of the SocialLiberal Forum and was afounder member of GrassRoutes To Government.
WHERE I STANDI voted for the coalition andremain committed to it. However, I have beenoutspoken about our partyleadership’s failure to stateour case in government; tosay where we stand in theface of some dreadfulpolicies from the other sideof government. I am dedicated to theprotection and promotion ofcivil and human rights,positive internationalism,tolerance and fairness. That,to me, is the essence ofLiberal Democracy.
I am a committed internationalist who has worked across theworld, including in France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy andDenmark. I believe in the principles of the European project but Iam a realist about its weaknesses. I am deeply concerned about theConservative party’s determination to avoid engagement onmatters that directly impact upon the lives and the jobs of Britishpeople. I believe the only way to solve problems is to talk. So, it is vital that the Liberal Democrats play a strong role inshaping EU policy. I am running for a seat as a West MidlandsMEP and relish the opportunity to put the Liberal Democrat caseto our European partners in the ELDR.
Contact: m:07966 150444 e:[email protected] Elect Neville Farmer @nevillefarmer
NMF.ELDR.2012
Fryer 1
Jo HAYESFor ELDR
- The elections to the European Parliament in 2014 are critical.
- If the Euro-sceptics succeed, we could be facing an uncertain future,outside the EU.
ELDR will shortly be drawing up its campaign plans and its EU-wide manifesto.That manifesto must contain a programme that will resonate across the EU -looking towards a shared sustainable, equitable and prosperous future.
I am- passionate about the ELDR project.- an experienced member of our party’s delegation.- able to do my best to contribute my legal, policy and drafting skills to
this key process.
Please return me to the ELDR delegation.
• Former Chair of Women Liberal Democrats and the Association of Wom-en Barristers• Former Chair of Westminster & City and Colchester local parties• Law reform campaigner who successfully challenged Labour Attorney-General over closed law appointments• Colchester borough councillor elected 2012 – with more than twice asmany votes as runner-up
Please give me your first preference vote
With 12 years regulatory and corporate experience of the energymarket in Europe, I will commit to focusing on EU wide energy policyand advocating adoption of democratically established federalparty policies by other national Liberal Democratic parties plus ELDR
United Energy Focus
Combining international business experience, having lived in threeEU countries and speaking three EU languages, I will ensure our Lib-eral Democrat voice is loud and clear, not just in parliament but alsowhen establishing policy and priorities for the ELDR
EU Loud and Clear
Utilising the experience of a career spend bringing mostly unwillingpartners to the table I will support the ELDR working together withother Liberal Democrat Parties sharing knowledge, mutual learningand support
Working together
Feel free to contact me
Tel: 020 3286 2862
Email: [email protected]
PAUL HIENKENSfor ELDR
PAUL HIENKENS 1
PAUL HIENKENS
Antony Hook’s Record of Action
Vice-Chair of the South East Region and ViceChair of Lib Dem European Group,
Chair of the South East European Campaign -getting us ready to win in 2014, getting Europeanpolicy into a more politically effective form,
Represented us at ELDR Congresses atBarcelona and Palermo.
2009 Euro Candidate (South East) and 2005,2001 PPC (won best swing in Kent both times).
Antony Hook’s Priorities for ELDR Delegation
Promote more news from aand about ELDR withinthe Liberal Democrats.
Argue for UK Liberal Democrat policy positions indebate at ELDR Congress.
Argue against ELDR taking a stance on subjectsthat we regard as issues of conscience.
Support the growth of ELDR through the admissionof more genuinely liberal parties.
Focus on a sharper campaigning edge for ELDRand its presence in the media across Europe. www.antonyhook.com
[email protected]. 0796736099
Doreen HuddartStanding for election to ELDR Council
Three Good Reasons to elect Doreen
In the course of my professional career, Ihave worked for NGOs and Aid Agencies in situations of armed conflict. This has given mean abiding interest in the development of theWestern Balkans and Eastern Europe, and I regularly return either in a professional capacityor on holiday to meet friends
As a member of the ECOS Commission of theCommittee of the Regions, I take an active partattending meetings, acting as a rapporteur andspokesperson on a variety of issues. I’m anElection Monitor and have helped train, monitorand report on the efforts to develop democraticelectoral processes in emergent and accessionstates
I’m an active supporter of the work ofEurocities, and have chaired their SocialInclusion Forum, organised seminars and helpedwrite their policy material. I believe we havebenefitted from learning and sharing examplesof best practice from our European partner cities
Many of you know me from my Party work as aConference Rep, RCC and Assessor and I hopeyou will feel able to support my nomination.Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I you need further information.
I look forward to seeing you in Dublin
Thanks Doreen07984333804 and [email protected]
Dear ColleagueI’m standing for election as a member of ELDR as I believeI can actively contribute to the work of the Council
✓
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ELDREdward KeatingVote
for the
delegation
1Edward Keating
Dear Friend,You and I are witnessing a time of massive upheaval in Europe,and a time of shifting balances in world trade and power.The outcome of these events is far from certain.While we must play our part in shaping the future of Europe,we must also focus on shaping the relations Europe has withthe rest of the world - particularly those emerging tradingpowerhouses.Through our history of trade spanning the centuries we arewell placed to lead the way for Europe in meeting these 21stcentury challenges.The future is not set, but you and I can and must define theroute Europe takes to meet the challenges it faces.Let’s meet these challenges together: please support me forthe ELDR delegation.Yours,
Edward KeatingPS. In an uncertain world we need a strong Liberal voice inEurope - with your vote I can make sure that voice is heard.
Edward Keating: A strongLiberal voice for Europe.
Gordon Lishman European Activist and Campaigner
Gordon Lishman: 1 for ELDR Council
P.S. Sorry for lack of photo and publishing skill - PC blew up, so had to borrow one at
the last minute and without my software.
Contact Gordon: [email protected]
Participant in ELDR Councils and Congresses, going back to participation in youth and predecessor bodies, including:
Chair, ELDR Congress Theme Committee 2010 UK representative to Manifesto Group on three occa-sions over 35 years UK representative to Congress Theme Committee on European banking and monetary crisis Working with member parties throughout Europe
Currently concentrating on putting the LibDem alternative to German FDP economic policy in policy discussions, in-cluding those on the Manifesto for the 2014 European Par-liament elections. It is ludicrous that EU economic policy is driven by folk-memories of 1920s inflation in Germany rather than by the real needs of the European Union and Euro-zone today. More widely, the United Kingdom faces the serious possibil-ity of a referendum in the next few years on whether it is to stay in the EU. The outcome could be disastrous for the fu-ture of this country at every level. Cameron is already weak-ening our role pushed by the tea-party Tories. The Liberal Democrats’ responsibility is to campaign from NOW on for the YES vote and to establish itself as the party of principle and political and economic hope for the future.
Why vote for me? I worked with the EU Aid programme in Malawi whilstadvising on policy, and with Euroconsult whist working in Darfur, Sudan. Ihave friends and colleagues across Europe and I have put myself forward forselection for the European Parliament. I am determined that we take the fightto UKIP over Europe for the 2014 campaign and I believe the ELD & RP willbe a good place to start the fight back for the European Project, to win heartsand minds for Europe like the 2012 Ryder Cup!
Best Wishes
I hope this short leaflet will give some insight
as to why you should select me for the ELD & RP
BRIAN MATHEW
Who I am: I’m an engineer and social scientist
with a passion for people, politics, and the environ-
ment. I have served with World Vision, WaterAid,
DFID, the EU, PricewaterhouseCoopers and
Thames Water. I joined the Liberal Democrats in
1988 after winning a place at the Liberal Summer
School, and I stood for the Lib Dems in North
Somerset at the last General Election, increasing
our share of the vote by 5.5% to 20,687.
for European Liberal Democrat & Reform Party
1Vote
Turhan Ozen
Statement not received by deadline
Peter Price for ELDR ✔ Member of ELDR Council since 1999.
✔ Experienced member of Federal Policy Committee and its rep on International Affairs Parliamentary Party Committee and Party's International Relations Committee.
✔ Member of Lib Dem 'Europe' policy working group and six previous groups including 'Facing the Future' strategic review.
✔ Deep understanding of EU issues – was MEP for 15 years, including as Chair of the Parliament’s Budgetary Control Committee.
Peter knows the issues and the people at EU level. His experience of EU politics is especially important to help maximise the influence of UK Lib Dems in the ELDR Council.
Experience – taking decisions and planning campaign strategy at European level.
Knowledge – updated by daily briefing documents about EU issues and activities, plus visits to Brussels and Strasbourg.
Contacts – extensive through working with MEPs and politicians from other member states, including on the ELDR Council.
Skills – he understands the various political cultures, speaks French and is used to negotiating at European level.
Commitment – wholehearted campaigner for a more effective and democratic EU – in which Britain plays its full role.
Peter Price 1 effective & influential
Peter Priceis a solicitor advising on EU law and policy, working in Cardiff, London and Brussels. As MEP, represented London South-East. Member of RIIA (Chatham House). A team player, active in the Party at all levels.
To contact Peterphone 029 2076 1792 or 01689 820681 or [email protected]
DAVID SIMMONSCamden Borough Party(Former Chair of Holborn & St Pancras )
Please vote for
A committed Internationalist who believes that the Party needs a strong and focussed ELDR Council Group now that we have no ministerial representation in the FCO and MOD
Experienced Member of LibDem International RelationsCommittee
Twice parliamentary candidate and a Euro parliament candidate
Led LibDem team discussions on Euro communiqué at ELDRCongress in Palermo and active at ELDR Congress in Helsinki
Member of Liberal International group on fact finding missionto Georgia and participated in following ELDR Council meetingIn Yerevan, Armenia.
Previously a member of HM Diplomatic Service, in India,Vietnam and Brazil and Adviser to three African Governments
European CEO of leading international technology corporation
Advised EU, the UK, Spanish and German governments on technology copyright directives and legislation
Twice team winner of Queens Award for Export Achievement
Party Conference speaker on international topics and R&D
Iain Smith
Experience & CommitmentExperience & CommitmentFor ELDRDelegation1
Commitment:I have been proud to
have been a member ofthis party since 1976,and have beenprivileged to serve it inmany capacities.
In the run-up to theEuropean Elections in2014, I believe I canmake a significantcontribution to our workin ELDR.
I hope I can count onyour support.
Experience: Member Scottish Parliament 1999-2011 Scottish Parliament Europe & External
Relations Spokesperson 2007-2011 Scottish Deputy Minister 1999-2000 ELDR Delegation member 2008-2010 Chair Scottish Liberal Democrats General
Election Campaign 2001 and 2005 Former member Federal Conference
Committee Former Vice Chair ALDC Election Agent for Sir Menzies Campbell
MP 1987-1999
Winnie Smith
Statement not received by deadline
Send Mark Valladares back toEurope for another two years!
Vote Mark Valladares for ELDR Council Delegation
Keeping my promises
Two years ago, a surprising numberof you put your faith in me torepresent the Party as part of ourdelegation to ELDR Council.
I had promised that I would reportback and, using my blog, and LiberalDemocrat Voice, I have done so,providing information about ELDR
meetings, and encouraging people to get involved. I even wrote an articleinviting other candidates to run for this position.
I also promised that I would try to contribute to the work of ELDR, usingmy skills and experience as a Party bureaucrat. This year, I have becomea member of ELDR’s Financial Advisory Committee, working withcolleagues across Europe to improve its finances, and with our Partyheadquarters to gain the best possible advantage from our membership.
What else might you want to know about me?
Hopefully, that is enough to persuade you to vote for me this time. But itisn’t all that I’m doing. I’m part of the Editorial team at Liberal DemocratVoice. I’ve also spent the summer chairing the European Parliamentaryshortlisting committee for the East of England, working with fellowactivists to find the best people we can to represent our Party in 2014.
Away from European politics, I am a Parish Councillor in mid-Suffolk andTreasurer of my Local Party (Bury St Edmunds), and I blog atwww.liberalbureaucracy.blogspot.com, where you can find out moreabout me, or, if you have any questions, you can e-mail me [email protected].
A past ELDR Council member and Delegate, I haven’t justrepresented the Liberal Democrats silently. I have spoken on
issues and taken an active role, trainingour sister parties overseas and building onmy work with LYMEC, their youth wing.
I have earned the respect of otherdelegations and overseen democracy inELDR as the Returning Officer for theinternal elections.
Not just the EU, but the Council of Europe and our work with, andsupporting, our sister parties throughout the continent. As aparty we need to have a strong voice in ELDR, ensuring that thevalues we believe in are fought for and promoted.
Witherick, Allan Siao Ming 1Any questions? email me at: [email protected] or call 07957 464569
I’ve got a lot of experience on the international stage doing everything fromEU-Africa, EU-China and UN AoC relations through to being part of the LGAEuropean and International Panel. This autumn I’m helping to run a ModelEuropean Union in Albania and training people in Spain on democracy.
I’m committed to making a real difference in Europe.
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