Prospective Halifax MPs to meet with Irish community

21st MARCH 2010

On Sunday March 21^St, Halifax MP Linda Riordan will meet with the city's Irish Community, along with the Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates for the area.

With a general election just weeks away, the Irish community within Halifax have welcomed the politicians' decision to meet. This hustings is just one in a large number of events taking place across the UK, organised by various Irish communities in conjunction with the Federation of Irish Societies (FIS).

Jennie McShannon, Chief Executive of the FIS, is spearheading the campaign. She said:

"This election will be a groundbreaking moment in British politics. It affords new and existing MPs the opportunity to engage with the Irish Community, whose long-standing contribution to Halifax is sometimes overlooked. It is also important for prospective parliamentarians to not only be aware of the contribution of second-generation Irish people to this area, but also their needs and aspirations."

XXXXX, Chair of the Halifax Irish Society added:

" (Welcome the meeting and look forward to a positive outcome for all etc...)" ENDS

For more information please call Chair, Halifax Irish Community ............... (Insert local Irish

community Official) on ................ (Insert mobile number).

Notes to editors

(1) The Federation of Irish Societies (FIS) is a national umbrella organisation established in 1973, which draws together Irish clubs and societies in Britain. It promotes the interests of Irish people through community care, education, culture and arts, youth and sports activities and information provision. FIS is non-politically aligned and non­sectarian.

Halifax Irish Society was established in XXX, It's mission is to ... and it supports the