McCreevy stands ground in EU row

EU COMMISSIONER Charlie McCreevy stood his ground before the European Parliament yesterday and insisted he would not be frightened into keeping quiet about matters he felt strongly about.

He was defending his stance in a labour law row between Sweden and Latvia, saying he does not question the Scandinavian social model, but wants to see it respecting Europe's internal market.

"If members of this house expect me to creep around quietly and not upset some member states and some members of the European Parliament then I am afraid they are going to be disappointed," he said.