Sir, – Further to “Political stupidity of Fianna Fáil four could see Ireland end up with a bottom-of-the-barrel job in Europe” (Stephen Collins, Opinion & Analysis, July 26th), I committed during the course of recent European election campaign not to vote for Ursula von der Leyen when and if nominated to the European Parliament as the European Commission president.
I appreciate it’s not the only reason I was elected but was very much part of the mandate my candidacy achieved when elected to the European Parliament.
I honoured that commitment in respect to the mandate I gratefully received by voting against Ursula von der Leyen’s nomination.
Ms von der Leyen was duly elected and I wish her well in the role.
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I expect she will no doubt be impressed by Michael McGrath as a person, and as a capable and able professional with excellent experience that will enrich the European Commission. I’ve no doubt either that she will not necessarily put the European People’s Party’s 12 commissioner candidates ahead of Michael McGrath purely because of their affiliation to her group, no more than she’d hold a grudge against four Irish MEPs exercising their democratic rights.
My colleagues and I will not only hold the European Commission president to account when challenging her to make good on her many commitments made when addressing the European Parliament in advance of her election but will work with her in ensuring such commitments are matched with relevant action, resources and delivery when honouring our privileged mandate from the Irish people. – Yours, etc,
BARRY COWEN MEP,
Midlands–North-West
Constituency,
European Parliament,
Brussels.
Sir, – In order to achieve gender parity among the European commissioners, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyden has requested that a male and female candidate be nominated by each member state.
It appears that, so far, many member states have chosen to ignore this request.
Our own leaders have also ignored the request.
Setting aside the arrogance of ignoring this request, how dispiriting and depressing that in the length and breadth of Ireland there couldn’t be found a female candidate equal to a male who could competently perform the tasks of a European commissioner.
Just another example of “jobs for the boys” – literally! – Yours, etc,
RÓISÍN de LEASTAR,
Glanmire,
Cork.