Green dream of independent energy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8045703.stm

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Up to 50,000 jobs across Northern Ireland could be created if Europe adopted a 'Green New Deal', the Green Party has said.

Launching its manifesto for the European elections on Tuesday, MEP candidate Steven Agnew described an energy independent Northern Ireland.

"We currently import 98% of our energy, yet we have vast natural resources in wind, biomass and tidal," he said.

"If the political will existed, jobs could be created."

Mr Agnew said more than five million jobs could be created across the EU under a "Green New Deal".

There would be work for electricians, fitters, plumbers, engineers, construction workers, project workers, construction workers and sales and marketing staff, he said.

"The Greens are strong in Europe with 43 MEPs from 14 different countries," he said.

"Elections to the European Parliament are an opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to make their voices heard on issues that will affect all of our lives here and across Europe."

His party is calling for a new direction for Europe.

They promise to work to combat climate change and to achieve a long-term goal of 100% energy from renewable sources.

"Renewables must be put at the centre of European energy policy for the 21st century," Mr Agnew said.

He said that his party supported the use of locally produced and organic food and he called for a review of the Common Agricultural Policy.

"Subsidies must be linked to environmental stewardship and high animal welfare standards," he said.

"The future of agriculture lies in organic farming and fair trade. The Greens in Europe will also be working towards a GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) free EU zone."