EuroParlRadio

‘Stale, male Europhile’ appointed European Parliament chief – Carthy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has slammed MEPs in the European Parliament for appointing an ally of the former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi as president of the European Parliament. Last night the majority of MEPs voted for Antonio Tajani to be the Parliament’s next president. Mr Tajani, who is a former EU Commissioner, is a member of the Parliament’s biggest political group, the European People’s Party. He’s now replacing Martin Schulz who was a member of the Parliament’s second biggest group, the Socialists and Democrats. Usually, the Presidency of the European Parliament goes to either an EPP or an S and D candidate. Matt Carthy says Mr Tajani’s appointment represents more of the same at a time when people are turning against the establishment.

OUT – aren’t listening.

Dur: 00:35

Sinn Fein will use elections to rally support against Brexit – Carthy

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy says the elections in Northern Ireland will give Sinn Fein an opportunity to fight against Theresa May’s Brexit plans. The majority of voters in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU in last June’s Brexit referendum. The remainers are desperately hoping some deal can be struck that would enable Northern Ireland to stay within the EU. Here’s Matt Carthy.  

OUT – and socially.

Dur: 00:22

It’s down to business for McGuinness as she wins 1st VP role

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness topped the poll this morning in a vote to become the European Parliament’s First Vice-President. She won four hundred and sixty six votes (466) which represented around seventy five percent (75%) of the valid poll of MEPs and which put her well ahead of her nearest competitor. Mairead McGuinness had previously held the role of vice-president of the Parliament.  But her elevation to the position of second in command in the European Parliament means she will take on more responsibilities and she will be doing so during challenging times ahead as Britain prepares to leave the EU.

Out words: to business

Dur: 00:40

 

McGuinness elected First Vice-President of European Parliament

The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness has been elected as the European Parliament's first vice-president. That means she will be second-in-command to the President of the Parliament Antonio Tajani who was elected last night. In a vote this morning, the Midlands North-West MEP got a significant number of votes from her fellow MEPs. The new role will mean that Mairead McGuinness will share some of the responsibilities of the President. And it will mean Ireland will hold a senior position in the Parliament during the upcoming negotiations on Brexit.

OUT – those negotiations

Dur: 00:23

 

MEP dismisses Trump’s trade deal promise to UK – Kelly

The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says it’s highly unlikely that the UK will be able to forge a trade deal with the US anytime soon. Earlier in the week the US president-elect Donald Trump told reporters the US would strike a swift post-Brexit trade deal with the UK. However Mr Kelly believes Donald Trump’s promises are unrealistic.

OUT – practical bearing.

Dur: 00:28

 

 

Brexit means “significant transitional arrangements” for Northern Ireland – Harkin

Leaders, officials and politicians across the EU are today absorbing the full impact of Theresa May’s speech on Brexit. The European Parliament’s Chief Brexit Negotiator Guy Verhofstadt yesterday tweeted that the British Prime Minister had chosen a hard Brexit. And he said the days of the UK ‘cherry-picking’ are over. The Independent MEP Marian Harkin says it’s imperative the implications for Northern Ireland and long-term peace there are accounted for during the Brexit negotiations. 

Out words: transitional arrangements  

Dur:  00:34

Harkin warns farmers and businesses to prepare for post-Brexit legal changes

Businesses and farmers trading goods and services across the border will have to be prepared to work with different laws and systems once the UK leaves the EU. That’s the warning from the Independent MEP Marian Harkin who was responding to Theresa May’s statement that the UK was not going to remain in a single market post-Brexit. The Midlands North-West MEP cited British threats to repeal EU environmental legislation as one example of how businesses in the south will be impacted by Brexit.  

Out words: in place

Dur: 00:40

EU Brexit negotiator meets Irish MEPs – Harkin

The EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier met with Irish MEPs in Strasbourg today. His meeting followed Theresa May’s address on Brexit in London earlier in the day. According to the Independent MEP Marian Harkin, Mr Barnier told them he understands the implications of Brexit for Ireland and that’s he’ll well-informed about the situation North and South of the Border.  

Dur: 00:22

May shouldn’t be so confident of a swift UK-US trade deal - Hayes

The British Prime Minister Theresa May would be wrong to assume the UK will be able to broker a decent trade deal swiftly with the US post-Brexit. That’s the view of the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes who was reacting to Mrs May’s address on Brexit in Lancaster House in London today. Earlier this week, the incoming US president Donald Trump said the US would secure a trade deal with Britain promptly following the UK’s exit from the EU. However, Brian Hayes warns the UK should concentrate on doing deals with its near neighbours first.

Out words: build on

Dur: 00:27

No customs union means tariffs between North and South – Hayes

The introduction of tariffs between Northern Ireland and the Republic will be inevitable if the British refuse to join a customs union following a Brexit. That’s the warning from the Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes. The Dublin MEP was reacting to Theresa May’s Brexit speech today. He says her address showed that the British Prime Minister doesn’t have Ireland's best interests at heart. 

Dur: 00:39

Out words: Article 50