PRESS RELEASE

Dublin Friday 14th May 2004

Fathers rights campaigner to contest European Election

“What is the future for fatherhood?” is the central theme of Euro Candidate Liam O Gogain’s Election campaign for MEP in the EAST constituency. This constituency incorporates eleven counties from Louth in the north to Wexford in the south excluding Dublin and contains over 800,000 voters.

Mr. O Gogain, from Dundalk in Co.Louth stood as an Independent Candidate in the last General election on the theme of “Kid’s and Dad’s”. During that election he was refused permission to describe his occupation as “FATHER”. He challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, where he represented himself. Despite the fact that two mothers in the Cork constituencies were allowed to describe their occupation as “MOTHER”, the Supreme Court denied fathers the same right. This decision confirmed for Mr.O Gogain that a clear discrimination exists against fathers.

“Right throughout EU Social Policy there has been a gradual hijacking of the meaning of the term ‘Gender Equality’. I always thought that Equal Treatment meant that men and women would be treated equally. However, the policies that are emerging from the EU are solely focusing on Equality as a women’s right and it is perfectly acceptable now to neglect the needs of men and father’s rights”, he said.

Having just attended the EU Conference, held in Dublin Castle 13th – 14th of May, hosted under the Irish Presidency, entitled “Families, change and Social Policy in Europe” he witnessed first hand how the EU simply treats fathers as disposable and men’s health as unimportant. Neglecting father’s effectively discriminates against 50% of EU citizens, be they fathers, husbands, brothers or sons. “A balanced society needs Equality to apply to both men and women equally” Mr. O Gogain stated.

In the coming years Men’s Health, the rights of unmarried and separated fathers, the education of boys and the increasing levels of juvenile crime will be a major issue throughout Ireland and the EU.During the campaign his election website at www.liamog.com will focus on exposing examples of discrimination by a range of government departments, state agencies and the courts.