Eurolink News

Donegal’s Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher has dismissed reports this week that the decision to appoint him as leader of the Fianna Fáil MEPs in Brussels was not unanimous. The Northwest MEP said claims made in the national media that Munster MEP Brian Crowley was unhappy with the move were ‘very unfair’. ‘It was a consensus decision between the three Fianna Fáil MEPs and the Taoiseach, and I know I have Brian’s full support,’ said Pat. ‘If Brian  had wanted to remain as leader of the Fianna Fáil in Europe he could have, it was his own choice not to do so,’ added the former Donegal minister.
Mr Gallagher added that the Fianna Fáil MEPs will have more leverage in Europe now that they have joined their new EU grouping – the European Liberal Party. ‘ELDR is a larger group with almost twice as many MEPs as our previous group; we will have a greater role in issues like selecting a new president of the European Commission,’ he said.
Mr Gallagher also moved to reassure his constituents that the Fianna Fáil MEPs will continue to pursue the party agenda on issues like the right to life, neutrality and tax, despite the fact that the ELDR group is known for its more liberal view on ethical matters.