Paisley addresses Ahearn in EU Parliament

national | eu | news report Wednesday January 14, 2004 11:57 by sly - lp

Following Bertie Ahearn addresse to the European Parliament this morning, a number of Irish MEPs sopke to the house.

Ian Paisley MEP made the most outspoken remark. He said he welcomed the Irish Presidency for one reason only, that it would mean the 'Dublin government' spending less time in the affairs of Northern Ireland due its heavy workload over the next 6 months. He also made a comment about human rights in the EU, mentioning only one incident, the rights of individuals who have been abused by Catholic priests. He particularitly highlighted the Irish Republic and the role of the Taosieach in defending the Church.

Avril Doyle speaking later condemned his remarks, with applause from the chamber. She also made reference to the Taosieachs claim that Ireland is closer to Boston than Berlin, from which she distanced herself, and called on the Irish government to address the reduction in spending in Irish Universities.

Also addressing the Taosieach Proinias de Rossa, highlighted the need for the Irish Presidency to push through EU legislation on temporary/agency workers, which is currently being stalled. He followed up by calling on the government to focus on poverty reduction in the third world, inparticular debt reduction. The plight of the Palestinians and the situation of the Guantanamo Bay prisoners were also raised by de Rossa.