EuroParlRadio

Von der Leyen stands ready for Brexit extension if required

The nominated president of the European Commission told MEPs this morning that she stands ready to extend the Brexit withdrawal date should it be required.

Ursula von der Leyen was addressing MEPs in Strasbourg in efforts to win their support to secure the EU’s top job in a vote later today. 

The German Defence Minister emphasised the importance of the Brexit withdrawal agreement during her speech.

 

Von der Leyen vows full gender equality in EU college of Commissioners

The nominated president of the European Commission says she wants full gender equality when it comes to the new cabinet of European Commissioners.

Ursula von der Leyen was speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning ahead of a vote on her nomination later this evening.

However the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he’s standing firmly behind the current incumbent Phil Hogan as the only choice for Ireland’s next commissioner.

But that may not cut it with Ms von der Leyen if she wins the EU’s top job.

Out words: fair share 

Dur: 00:27 

 

"I would have loved a woman nominated for Commissioner" - Maria Walsh

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says she would have loved to see a woman put forward as EU Commissioner alongside Phil Hogan.

The nominee for Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs this morning that she would ask member states to name a male and a female candidate for their commissioner position.

But the Taoiseach is standing firmly behind the outgoing Commissioner for Agriculture as the only choice.

Maria Walsh says she'll fall in line for now

 

Out words: two names

 

Dur: 0:33

“Is Von der Leyen genuine?” – Grace O’Sullivan

Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan wants to know if the candidate for president of the European Commission is genuine in her promises.

Ursula Von der Leyen faces a crucial vote in the European Parliament today.

She’s offered concessions to the Greens after they refused to support her. 

Grace O’Sullivan says it includes a commitment to cut emissions by up to 55 per cent by 2030.

 

Out words: out today

 

Dur: 0:30

"Fingers crossed for Von der Leyen" - Maria Walsh

 

Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh thinks Ursula Von der Leyen will have the numbers to get the EU’s top job today.

The German Defence Minister faces an uphill battle to convince MEPs she’s the right person to replace the existing Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

A vote will take place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this evening.

Maria Walsh believes Von der Leyen has done enough to address concerns raised by MEPS

 

Out words: fingers crossed 

 

Dur: 0:29

Selection of top EU jobs “nothing to do with democracy” – Wallace

The top jobs in the EU have been carved up between the big boys behind closed doors followed by a fig leaf of votes.

That’s the verdict of the new Independent for Change MEP Mick Wallace. His comments followed a decision last Tuesday by EU leaders to nominate the German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen to be the next EU commission president 

That decision was followed by a vote in the European Parliament the next day to elect an Italian Socialist MEP as its new president.

Here’s Mick Wallace.

Out words: out here

Dur: 00:34

Travel and relevance big challenges in new MEP job – Daly

The Independents for Change MEP Clare Daly says a big challenge will be ensuring her work remains relevant for people back home now that she’s swapped Dáil politics for the European Parliament.  

The Dublin MEP says it’s also been difficult trying to get herself set up in Brussels and dealing with all the travel that comes with an MEP’s life.   

Out words: moving around  

Dur: 00:40

Government climate action plan “more spin than substance” – Cuffe

The Green MEP Ciaran Cuffe says the Government’s new Climate Action Plan is more about spin than substance.   

The Dublin MEP argues current plans to expand road and airport infrastructures clash with the government’s promise to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Out words: need cycling

Dur: 00:40

MEP Walsh aims for European year of Mental health

The former Rose of Tralee and now Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh says mental health issues will be a key focus of her work during her term in office.

The new Midlands North-West MEP attended the first plenary session of the new European Parliament in Strasbourg this week.

She says she’s hoping to join two European Parliamentary committees. They are the Employment and Social affairs committee (known as EMPL) and the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee which is called LIBE.

Maria Walsh explains what those committees focus on. 

Out words: than later

Dur: 00:27

Mercosur deal will have “major implications” for Irish beef farming – Kelleher MEP

The EU-Mercosur draft trade deal will have major implications for the Irish beef sector which could face a wipe-out.

That’s according to the Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher.

There’s been much opposition to the draft deal among farming communities who fear they’ll lose out to cheap imports of beef and other food products from the four Mercosur South American states.

Here’s Billy Kelleher.  

Out words: my behalf

Dur: 00:40