European Parliament Elections

Dear Editor, when did you last see a member of the European Parliament (MEP) in our area? Almost five years ago we elected in Leinster 3 MEP"s (can you name them?) to represent us in Europe...and apart from a fleeting glance of a few of them last June, around the time of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum, our elected MEP"s have never come to consult with us.Now to make matters worse Westmeath and Longford are being moved out of Leinster for next June"s European Elections and into the North West Constituency (the old Connaught/Ulster Constituency), covering an area from Donegal to Clare. When one considers the problems the MEP"s should deal with for the people on the west coast of Ireland, not to mention those in the border area of Cavan and Monaghan, what chance have we got in Westmeath of ever seeing an MEP, once we have elected them? We will just be quietly ignored and forgotten about for another five years.Being an MEP is a great occupation where you could become a millionaire within two years from the European Parliament Salary and very very generous expenses, while at the same time ignoring the people who elected you.I have decided for next June"s European Elections I will only vote for the candidates who actually visit Mullingar and meet the people and also I will be seeking a written undertaking as to when and how often they will return to Mullingar to report on their activities and consult with us, the electorate. If they are not willing to do this why should be vote for them.Your faithfully,Des Walsh,