Green party candidate Mr Chris O'Leary described Ireland as "one of the most unequal societies in the developed world" at the launch of his party's campaign for the upcoming European elections in Dublin earlier today.
He claimed attempts were "being made to water down the anti-poverty measures and the rights to social inclusion in the Lisbon declaration" and pledged to highlight such concerns if elected next month.
The party is fielding three candidates in the election which will be waged on traditional green issues of social justice, the environment and quality of life.
Sitting MEP Patricia McKenna, who is seeking to retain her seat in Dublin, pointed out the need to balance security issues with the protection of basic democratic rights, such as freedom of movement, expression and the right to privacy" and pledged to "continue highlighting these issues on my return to the European Parliament."
The party's deputy leader and Leinster MEP candidate, Ms Mary White, focused chiefly on environmental issued, claiming that "protecting our drinking water, our wildlife and our agricultural heritage, and continuing to the press for the closure of the Sellafield nuclear plant, will be key issues for me in Europe."
Speaking at the launch of their campaigns today, Green Party leader Mr Trevor Sergeant said a vote "for a Green MEP is also a vote for fair and sustainable European politics.
The track record of Irish Green MEPS is second to none. Apart from hard work, the Greens also have the cohesion of an influential Green Group in the European Parliament."