EuroParlRadio

Pope received sustained standing ovation at European Parliament – Kelly

Pope Francis received a sustained standing ovation following his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning. The Pontiff delivered a very strong address which was, at times, very critical of contemporary Europe. During his address His Holiness compared Europe to that of an infertile grandmother who lacked vibrancy. He told MEPs that the great ideas that once inspired Europe have been replaced by the bureaucratic technicalities of its institutions. He was scathing about Europe’s consumerist and what he called its unsustainable selfish lifestyles. And he pleaded for Europe to think more about the need for dignity, human rights and general humanity. The Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly gave his reaction to the Pope’s address.

Out words: with that

Dur: 00:33

Europe an infertile ‘grandmother’ – Pope tells MEPs

Pope Francis received a standing ovation when he addressed the European Parliament this morning. During his speech he said Europe gave the impression of being aged and weary. And he said it had become like an infertile grandmother. He told MEPs that the true strength of our democracies must not be allowed to collapse under the pressure of multinational interests. Karen Coleman from EuroParlRadio now reports from the European Parliament.

Out words: in Strasbourg
Dur: 00:58

Pope Francis gets the red carpet at European Parliament

Pope Francis is currently visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg. His Holiness arrived in the Parliament after flying into Strasbourg airport. He was met by the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schultz. The last time a Pope visited the Parliament was in 1988 when John Paul addressed MEPs and was heckled by the late Ian Paisley who was an MEP at the time. The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune says his visit is an important one.

Out words: for Europe

Dur: 00:25

Pope Francis visits European Parliament

Pope Francis is visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg this morning. His Holiness flew into Strasbourg airport and then was driven directly to the Parliament. The Pope will address MEPs and then he will also visit the Council of Europe. The Fine Gael MEP Deirdre Clune had this to say about the Pope’s visit.

Out words: to day

Dur: 00:25 

Pope Francis to visit European Parliament this morning

Pope Francis will address the European Parliament this morning in Strasbourg. The Pontiff is due to arrive at the Parliament at 9.30 Irish time [10.30 CET]. After an official welcome ceremony His Holiness will deliver a formal speech in the Parliament. EuroParlRadio’s Karen Coleman now reports from the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Out words: in Strasbourg 

Duration: 00:49  

Carthy defends McDonald Dail behaviour

The Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy has defended Mary Lou McDonald's behavior in the Dail yesterday. Opponents have accused the Sinn Fein deputy leader of pulling a 'disgraceful political stunt' after she refused to leave the Dail following her suspension by the Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett. Ms McDonald had been ruled out of order for questioning the Tanaiste Joan Burton on water charges. Amid chaotic scenes the Ceann Comhairle suspended the Dail's business until next Tuesday as Ms McDonald refused to leave the chamber. However, Matt Carthy who represents the Midlands North West constituency says Mc McDonald was just doing her job in demanding answers from the Tanaiste. 

Sinn Fein handling sexual abuse allegations in 'appropriate way' - Carthy

A Sinn Fein MEP is defending Gerry Adams’s handling of the controversy surrounding the alleged sexual and physical abuse of victims by members of the republican movement. Mr Carthy's comments follow a number of recent heated exchanges in the Dail on the alleged abuse. Gerry Adams has denied any cover up and he's apologised for mistakes republicans made in dealing with the abuse claims. Matt Carthy, who represents the Midlands North West Constituency says he accepts what Gerry Adams has said and believes Sinn Fein are handling it appropriately. 

European Parliament calls for resumption of Northern peace process

The European Parliament today called on all parties to join talks to restart the Northern peace process. MEPs passed a resolution, urging participants to resolve issues that are hindering progress such as flags and parades, so the functioning and stability of the North’s democratic institutions can be reinforced. Speaking ahead of the vote, Sinn Fein’s Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan said EU involvement has been “extremely beneficial”. The EU PEACE project provides €150 million in funds to tackle priority issues. However Ms Boylan added that EU engagement must be extended beyond just providing funds. 

Out words: engage with it

Dur: 35 seconds

Hayes hopeful impasse in Northern peace can be overcome

The Fine Gael MEP for Dublin Brian Hayes is hopeful that the impasse in the Northern Irish peace process can be overcome. Mr Hayes says he had positive meetings with Northern Ireland's First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson and Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt. Both men visited the European Parliament to speak with political groups about the peace process. This comes as the current stalemate in the North is being debated by MEPs this week. Today they'll vote on a resolution calling for progress. Mr Hayes says the UK and Irish governments as well as the EU must encourage all northern parties to advance the peace process.

Out words: works too

Dur: 38 seconds

EU continues to demonstrate Commitment to Irish peace process - Hayes

MEPs called for progress in the Northern Irish peace process during a debate in the European parliament last night. Today the Parliament will vote on a resolution that includes calls for solving issues hindering the peace process, such as flags and parades. Fine Gael's Dublin MEP Brian Hayes, says the EU, through its funding programmes, continues to demonstrate its commitment to achieving peace in the north. Mr Hayes says long term EU involvement in the North has brought about positive benefits.

Out words: Irish variety

Dur: 35 seconds