MEPs want commissioner to resign over flag comment

Irish MEP's are calling on the Commissioner for Energy Gunther Oettinger to apologise for his remarks to a German newspaper last weekend, or resign his post.

Mr Oettinger suggested that over-indebted countries, like Ireland and Greece, should fly their flags over EU buildings at half-mast in "a statement of remorse for their fiscal recklessness".

Mr Oettinger, who is from Germany, said such a move would deter other countries from making similar budgetary mistakes.

Irish MEP Marian Harikin has signed a petition for an apology, which will be presented to President of Commission later tonight.