De Rossa: Some EU candidates 'unsuitable'

Labour MEP Prionsias De Rossa has said that some of the nominees for the EU Commission team are unsuitable for their proposed job.

It follows comments made by Italian candidate Rocco Buttiglione that “homosexuality is a sin and women belong in the kitchen.”

The Italian government has confirmed that Buttiglione will remain as its official candidate for the portfolio concerning civil liberties and rights.

Mr De Rossa said that Mr Buttiglione should be put into a portfolio where he does not have to tussle with his conscience every day about the job he has to do.

The Labour MEP added that likewise, Nelly Cruz should not be put into a position where she would have to wrestle with her business interests in order to avoid conflicts in her job.