FF could be king-makers in European parliament

FIANNA Fáil could find themselves part of the king-makers in the new European Parliament despite having lost a seat and been badly stung by the voters.

The four Fine Gael MEPs will remain with the European People’s party, which is again the largest group in the parliament and expected to dominate events for the next five years.

Ironically for Labour, the most successful of the Irish parties, having increased their MEPs from one to three, they join the Socialists, still the second largest group, but weakened by unexpected losses.

The Liberal group, to which Taoiseach Brian Cowen signed up his party earlier this year, hope to hold the balance of power in the new parliament, as the Socialists lost much support.

But none of the Fianna Fáil MEPs has been in contact with the group since then and the European Parliament’s election website was still showing them as being part of the UEN group, raising doubts about their intentions.

The Liberals held the balance of power after the 1999 elections when their leader, Pat Cox, successfully negotiated to become president for a half term of two-and-a half years.

Independent MEP Marian Harkin, who topped the pole in North West, is also a member of the Liberals, which with Fianna Fáil would bring the Irish representation to four.

But a spokesperson for the group, the third largest in the parliament with over 80 members, said that they have not had any discussions with the outgoing Fianna Fáil MEP.

Poll topping MEP in the South, Brian Crowley would not comment on whether he would be moving to the Liberals.

“I have been concentrating on the count here and have not talked to anyone in Brussels yet,” he said, adding that he would travel to the parliament in the next week or so.

Mr Crowley has been co-president of the UEN for the past five years and has disagreed strongly with the party leader, Mr Cowen’s insistence that they join the Liberals.