According to John over at Semper-Idem splits seam to be developing between the National Party and the MEP’s in Brussels. I wonder why that is?
This of course was announced with great fanfare at the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis (National Conference) by An Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Brian Cowen. He said in his opening speech the following:
Given the changing role of the Parliament and the new structures of its groups, Fianna Fáil has no alternative but to reconsider current arrangements. We need to strengthen our work with others who share our basic approach while insisting on the right to vote in accordance with the views of the people we represent. To that end, we will soon advance a proposal to join, for the first time, a pan-European party - the European Liberal, Democratic and Reform Party. Our representatives have been part of that party’s group in the Council of Europe for some time and this has worked out well - particularly because it is a group which works hard to respect the views of smaller countries.
Following June’s election, should everything progress as expected, we will then consider joining the parliamentary group to which the ELDR is affiliated. I am confident that we can negotiate a position that will strengthen our voice and that of all people who believe in a Europe of states working closely together.
Yet in yesterdays Irish Times Brian Crowley MEP insisted that “”no deal had yet been done” on whether the FF MEPs would join the ALDE Group in the parliament. I wonder why he said that? Is it because he knows that he will lose many of his perks if FF leave the UEN? What perks you ask? Well as co-president of the UEN (A position he is unlikely to attain in the ALDE Group) he is entitled to a car! He doesn’t seam willing to give that up.
All know that my prediction of the end of the UEN being in 2009 seams to be accurate enough.
Source: Speech by Taoiseach Brian Cowen at the official Opening of 72nd Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis. - RTÉ.ie
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I am unclear as to what level of support Cowley has with the other FF MEPs, so I don’t know how much it’s a national-EP party split. I’d say Crowley has an uphill battle in the face of the endorsement of the move by the party leadership and the party members.
I can’t see any other reason for them to stay in the UEN but for Crowley to keep his perks.
I think Crowley is trying to blow it out of porportion to try and keep his perks, typical Fianna Failer!!!