Irish MEPs silent on EU’s two parliaments

JAMES DOORLEY (Irish Examiner letters, May 27) pointed out the exorbitant cost of running two European Parliament buildings in Brussels and Strasbourg.

The reason for this anachronism appears primarily to avoid provoking French political sensitivities.

‘La gloire’ comes at an estimated cost of at least €200 million of our money every year.

When I visited the website www.oneseat.eu to record my support for the citizens’ initiative to put an end to this rot, it was disappointing to see that no Irish MEP was mentioned among those encouraging this exercise in ‘citizen power’. A study by Professor Hix of the London School of Economics, quoted on the website, finds that Irish MEPs have some of the poorest attendance records at the monthly plenary sessions held in Strasbourg.

In view of this, it is surprising not to find them at the forefront of those seeking the abolition of an institution that appears to be a monumental waste of money. If they do not support the elimination of this burden on EU citizens, could they please tell us why?

Or should we take it that they are content to let taxpayers’ money be poured away to pander to the kind of national arrogance that the EU was supposed to end.

Donal Fellows

Ul. Prosta 70

Warsaw 00-838

Poland