Well we have finally reached the day that we never thought would come. We’ve put our case to the people, now it’s their turn to tell us what they think. I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to everybody who went way beyond any party or any politics to support me. At the end of the day I am happy to stand on my record for Dublin and whatever the outcome of this election I shall continue to fight for Dublin. Many of you gave of your time and your talents because you share my belief in Dublin, our need to change what’s wrong, and our capacity to deliver a brighter future for the city. The hours that you have given and the unflinching loyalty that you have shown me are deeply appreciated. No matter what the outcome for the elections, you have truly shown the importance of active citizenship and the importance of remaining engaged in our city’s future. “It is the greatest mistake that any man can make to do nothing because he can only do a  little”, we have all done more than a little and I thank you all very much.

Well everyone, the campaign is finally drawing to a close. It has been an interesting few weeks, but I am disappointed that there has been very little discussion about a vision for Dublin. At the end of the day, the election of MEPs for this region is all about how we can best serve the people of Dublin.

There has been very little talk about our economic or development plan for Dublin or indeed our creative alliance. These are the bedrocks of our plans for Dublin going forward. If the members of the European Parliament are not going to Europe with a view to promoting these plans then they are not in keeping with Dublin city region’s plan for itself.

If Europe is to be a Europe of the peoples, we have to listen. I have a sense that there has been a lot of talking but very little listening.

When people go to vote on Friday June 5^th I would appeal to them to listen to what Dublin is saying. We need an open mind to international investment and European alliances.

We need to develop the social affairs agenda to protect our vulnerable. Without that balance our MEPs will not truly reflect the needs of Dublin.

I believe that I have listened to what Dublin is saying. I know that I stand for a vision for Dublin and I am asking people to support that vision by giving me their Number One on Friday.

Today I attended a memorial service for Jane Deasy, a beautiful young woman from Dublin who lost her life in the Air France disaster and whose sister is a close friend of one of my daughters. I would ask people to keep in their thoughts and prayers the Deasy family who have suffered a dreadful loss, and who have remained totally dignified throughout, but whose hearts are broken. I would also like to remember all those other people from Dublin and around the world, who have lost their lives in this tragic event. It is a timely reminder to all of us to cherish life and celebrate family and friends.

I had a good discussion with Socialist Joe Higgins on Tom Mc Guirk’s radio programme on 4Fm this evening. We argued over the corporation tax rates with Joe saying that he would be in favour of raising our favourable tax rates which I believe would be detrimental to this city and the country as a whole.  The UK recently challenged our right to set our own tax rates for businesses coming to Ireland and the European Court of Justice upheld our right leaving the doors open for us to continue to offer a very attractive corporation tax rate to foreign investors. Keeping our tax rates at a low is vital for us to secure more foreign investment and therefore more jobs. People need to think very carefully before they give their vote for a European candidate this Friday as a vote for the wrong party could be detrimental in the long run to the city of Dublin. We need people in Brussels who are pro-Europe and pro-investment.  Tune into RTE radio this evening when I will be part of a panel of European Party candidates on The Late Debate with Rachel English.

Over the weekend Sam and I met with the thousands of women who came to Dublin for our infamous City marathon. We got a great reception and it was great to see so many ladies, of all ages, running and walking for charity, despite the heat. We were blessed with such a gorgeous day for it. I spent the bank holiday weekend walking around Dublin city centre, chatting to people on the street, and I have to say everyone was extremely courteous. Of course I asked them all to give me their Number One on Friday for Europe.  I also met with An Taoiseach Brian Cowen and my running mate Eoin Ryan on Saturday and then again on Sunday for a chat about our campaign and the reaction of people on the street.  Despite the coverage in the papers I have to say I am getting very good feedback from the people I meet. Unfortunately we are all experiencing hard times and a lot of people have had to make changes in their lives to adapt to their circumstances, but we have to stay positive and by working together things can and will get better. We have to maintain that community spirit that the people of Dublin have been famous for, going back generations. Our aim is to make our city a major attraction to foreign companies and to see our economy thrive once again with foreign investment. Dublin people have so much to offer and we have to market ourselves globally.     

This morning I launched the first ever Lord Mayor of Dublin International Scholarships Programme, a fantastic opportunity that will attract top international students to our shores to study. International students from countries outside of the EU contribute over Eu500million annually to the Irish economy. It’s a growing and important market and Dublin needs its share. Melbourne, a similar sized city to Dublin, earns over Eu2billion annually from the same market. It’s all about branding. It makes sense for the city to promote Dublin and support the marketing initiatives of the third level colleges.

And, with the sun shining down on Dublin this morning, as Admiral of Dublin Port I will be performing the 521 year-old ‘Casting of the Spear’ from a tugboat in the Port. This ceremony dates back as far as 1488 when the then Lord Mayor, Thomas Mayler, set out on his horse to ride the city’s boundaries. Historical records show that he rode out onto the strand, as far as man might ride, and from there he cast the spear into the sea. At that time, casting the spear demonstrated the extent of the city’s boundaries eastwards. From that day on, each year, the Lord Mayor of Dublin re-enacts this medieval ceremony. This year 83 cruise liners are expected to call into Dublin Port with an excess of 90,000 passsengers and crew and their visits boost our economy and encourages even more tourism. We have an amazing city and it is up to us all to encourage people to visit and do our bit for our capital. 

What a beautiful day! Had a great chat earlier with the Henry St/Mary St Christmas traders, saw the amazing boats at the Dublin Docklands Maritime Festival, was on board the  tall ship ‘Kathleen & May’ and met H.E. Ambassador Ms Izolda Brickovskiene from Lithuania on the yacht Ambersail. This morning I visited Our Lady of Consolation Primary School in Donnycarney and met with the staff and the children, who were very welcoming. I also launched the ‘Caring for Carers Week’ at the Mansion House and was a guest on The Empty Chair radio show in Ballyfermot. And this evening I was delighted to welcome the Kenyan Ambassador to the Mansion House, she is a lovely lady, very friendly and it’s always nice to see her. Tonight I’ll be meeting Fair City’s very own Bella, AKA Jim Bartley, as the Mansion House hosts the Variety Club of Ireland’s annual concert in honour of Peter McBrien.

Tune in to Today FM at 5.30pm to listen to my live interview with Matt Cooper on The Last Word.

Canvassing Stephens Green Luas stop this evening at 4.45pm, hope to see you there.

www.letsgetsam.com

Europarltv just launched a series of videos that explain how the Parliament works, what it achieved recently and how it became what it is today.

http://europarltv.europa.eu/discoverep.aspx