Barroso row - Buttiglione cannot stay in EU team

BY backing his controversial nominee as justice commissioner, despite his sexist and homophobic remarks, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso hopes to tough it out.

But given the intense opposition of Socialist, Green and Liberal MEPs to his appointment, the threat to veto the 25-member team still hangs over his presidency. The claims by Italy’s Rocco Buttiglione, that homosexuality is a “sin” and that marriage exists to allow women have children and for the protection of a male were outrageous. The Barroso argument that even though there are 25 views around the commission table, there is only one policy, will not appease his opponents.

For a justice commissioner, who also has responsibility for equality issues, to utter such comments about homosexuals and women is totally unacceptable. Arguably, his personal views could in time come to influence vital decisions on issues of justice.