Mullooly 'unable' to support von der Leyen’s successful bid for European Commission Presidency
Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly.
Ciarán Mullooly has stated that he was unable to support Ursula von der Leyen in her successful bid to retain the presidency of the European Commission today.
Ms von der Leyen was elected for a second term this afternoon after receiving 401 votes in her favour. However, she didn’t receive the support of Sinn Féin MEPs, Independent Luke 'Ming' Flanagan or Independent Ireland’s Ciarán Mullooly.
During discussions, which were described as “informative” and “cordial” with Ms von der Leyen, the newly-elected MEP for the Midlands-North-West constituency confirmed that a number of issues were raised with regard to the European Agriculture Policy and the Green Deal, among other matters.
"When I met with Ursula von der Leyen in her office in Strasbourg last night, I stressed to the Commission President the profound horror felt by my constituency over the deaths of innocent men, women, and children in Gaza. I emphasised that an urgent initiative was needed from her to convey to the Israeli authorities that the violence and bloodshed must stop.
"I reiterated that the Israeli authorities had clearly breached Article 2 of the EU-Israel trade agreement and urged her to suspend the accord immediately, thereby pressuring Israel to heed the worldwide calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"I was pleased that the Commission President called for a ceasefire in her address to the European Parliament this morning. I was also satisfied with her comments on other issues, such as the appointment of a new Housing Commissioner to address a key issue in my Midlands North-West constituency, her focus on mental health issues caused by cyber-bullying, and her support for the people of Ukraine.
"However, President Ursula von der Leyen did not address the trade agreement or propose any tangible measures to help stop the appalling violence, death, and destruction in Gaza.
"Under these circumstances, I was unable to support her candidacy today,” he explained.
Mr Mullooly reiterated that he would continue to work hard as a new member of the European Parliament to ensure peace in Gaza, Ukraine, and all parts of the region, something he referenced as “the key priority” in the weeks ahead.
