Marian Harkin MEP has been nominated for the prestigious MEP of the Year Award 2010 by Eurocarers the representative body for Carers in the EU in the social policy and employment field. The nomination is in recognition of her continuous support for carers as well as to mark the 2010 European Year on Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Harkin reacted:  "I am hugely flattered to be nominated for this award especially since this nomination comes from an association whose aims are so close to my heart.  I will continue to champion the rights and interests related to informal carers. 

She continued: On average 80 % of care throughout the EU is provided by unpaid relatives, friends or neighbours.  Despite this fact, there has been little recognition of the need to address the issues faced by carers in EU policy initiatives.   I hope that my nomination will draw attention to the unsung heroes of our society- our carers".

The 6th annual MEP Awards, hosted by The Parliament Magazine, will take place this September.  Nominations are submitted online by European trade and professional associations and interest groups, a short list is then drawn up and the winning MEPs will be awarded during a ceremony on 29 September.