EuroParlRadio

Denial of Brexit extension would be “monstrous own goal” – Kelly

The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says it would be wrong for the EU27 to deny the UK an extension to the Brexit withdrawal date if it ultimately looks for one.

The Ireland South MEP was speaking in the European Parliament where MEPs will tomorrow discuss the latest developments in the Brexit talks with the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

Boris Johnson has repeatedly stressed he will not seek an extension to the Brexit date of October 31st. However Sean Kelly says the EU twenty seven leaders should agree to an extension if the UK asks for it.

Out words: be granted

Dur: 00:26

Concessions on backstop would hinder rather than help farmers – Kelly

Any concessions on the backstop would only make things worse for farmers.

That’s the view of the Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly who was responding to an Irish Examiner-ICMSA opinion poll today. Nearly half of farmers polled want some concessions on the backstop to break the current impasse. 

However Sean Kelly says changing the backstop might only makes matters worse.   

Out words: with them

Dur: 00:23

Von der Leyen’s Brexit views “very encouraging” – Kelly

The incoming president of the European Commission has practical views when it comes to Brexit. So says the Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly.

He met Ursula von der Leyen during her appearance last week in the European Parliament where she won the majority of MEP votes to take Europe’s top job.

Out words: very encouraging

Dur: 00:22

“We got many many commitments” from Von der Leyen – Kelleher

The Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher says his political group in the European Parliament will want to ensure the incoming European Commission President delivers on promises she made last week.  

The Ireland South MEP is a member of Renew Europe which is the third biggest political group in the Parliament.

Last week its MEPs including Mr Kelleher voted for Ursula von der Leyen to take the EU’s top job. However he says they’ll be watching carefully to ensure she commits to her pledged policies.

Out words: five years

Dur: 00:34

“Challenging but exciting time for Europe” – Billy Kelleher

Billy Kelleher says a fractured European Parliament will be challenging.

However, the Ireland South MEP says it’s an exciting time with the election of a new Commission President.

Ursula von der Leyen will take up the role in the Autumn after MEPs backed her during the week.

Billy Kelleher says the next few years will be interesting

Out words: very unusual

Dur: 0:23

“A gigantic disconnect” – Clare Daly slams EU leaders

Clare Daly says EU leaders are failing to connect with ordinary citizens.

The Dublin MEP has hit out at the workings of the European Parliament, which she describes as a ‘bureaucratic nightmare’

Clare Daly says some comments from Brexiteers are true:

Out words: bizarre spectacle

Dur: 0:22

Ciarán Cuffe hopes Commission will stick to climate goals

Ciarán Cuffe hopes the next EU Commission will take climate change seriously.

The Green MEP was speaking after the incoming President Ursula von der Leyen made bold pledges on the issue.

They include an aim to make the EU carbon neutral by 2050.

Ciarán Cuffe hopes she sticks to her commitments

Out words: environmental issues

Dur: 0:28

Hogan eyes up trade role

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly says Phil Hogan would do a good job if made EU Trade Commissioner.

The outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture is being nominated for another five-year term.

The Taoiseach has said the Government is working closely with EU colleagues to secure the best possible portfolio.

Seán Kelly says there’s plenty of speculation in Brussels

Out words: good job

Dur: 0:30

Time to update EU air quality directives – Ciarán Cuffe

Green Party MEP Ciarán Cuffe says EU directives on urban air quality need to be updated.

This week the European Parliament discussed the issue of clean air zones in EU cities.

It was prompted by issues in Madrid where the city council is rolling back on commitments to keep traffic out of the city centre.

Ciarán Cuffe says it sounds familiar

 

Out words: quality directives

Dur: 0:30

Government needs to stall EU gun ban – Matt Carthy

Moves by the EU to ban lead-based ammunition would make over 100,000 shotguns in Ireland obsolete.
 
Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy says the Government needs to stall the laws from coming into effect.
 
He says farmers would need to pay out to replace their guns or have them modified

Out words: those concerned

Dur: 0:20