Pope To Visit Parliament

This week, the parliament meets in Strasbourg, and members will be addressed by Pope Francis. When a Pontiff last visited the Parliament some 26 years ago, the then Northern Ireland MEP, Ian Paisley protested, denouncing John Paul ll as the Antichrist. On this occasion, humanist organisations have written to Martin Schultz, the Parliament’s President, stating …

Ireland Helping To Shape EU Foreign Policy

Palestinians continue to seek statehood for the West Bank and Gaza Strip and are intent on making Jerusalem the capital. The stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is leading to a growing sense frustration across Europe. If the talks are not re-launched, many EU States may follow Sweden’s example and commit to …

Boylan Calls For Youth Job Focus

On Budget day Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan, following a hearing on Youth and Employment in the EU Parliament, said “… that economic policies dominated by austerity are forcing young people into unwanted jobs and precarious employment throughout the EU. There is little employment available and when available there is little security.” She further said …

Hogan Secure

The Parliament is now in the second week of Commissioners’ designate hearings. Ireland’s Big Phil put in what can only be described as a very competent performance when he faced the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee last Thursday. Despite considerable build up that he might be in trouble, the Irish issues including Childers’ complaint just …