Jim is not a pro-European or a Euro-sceptic. He is a Euro realist. He believes in being in Europe but not run by Europe.

Since becoming an MEP 19 years ago Jim has made it his business to raise Ulster Unionism's profile and ensure that an Ulster Unionist is represented at a proper European Parliamentary level: In committee, on delegations, at bureau level in the EPP-ED and at Executive level within the Parliament. He has succeeded:

He is one of six Quaestors in the European Parliament, becoming the first ever MEP from Northern Ireland to hold such a senior position when elected on July 21 2004; he was re-elected in 2007. Quaestors are the chairmen of the European Parliament, looking after members interests and ensuring the smooth administrative running of Parliament.

• Full Member Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
• Committee on Regional Development
• Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand
• Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia

Substitute:

• Delegation for relations with the United States
• Delegation for relations with India
• Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula
• Has been Chairman of the Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand (1997-2002).
• Chairman of the Delegation for relations with the United States (2002-2004).

Over last Parliamentary term:

• Made 83 speeches
• Tabled 2 Parliamentary reports
• 8 motions for resolution
• 33 parliamentary questions
• 3 written declarations

it is imperative that Northern Ireland is well represented at European level by someone with experience, who knows the maze-like structures of the EU like the back of his hand, and who can use the experience and standing as leverage to get the best possible outcomes for Unionism and the people of Northern Ireland as a whole. That's why Jim Nicholson must be returned as MEP for the Ulster Unionist Party.