European Commission’s future in doubt
The mood against the commission designate hardened last night after a meeting of the 200 Socialist MEPs, who were almost unanimous in their decision to vote against him.
The liberal group, which was Mr Barroso's greatest hope for vital extra votes, were also coming out in force against him, with more than 60 of their 88 members expected to vote him down.
The lobbying by both sides will continue right up to noon Irish time for the vital swing votes. Every group, including Ireland's MEPs, is deeply divided on the issue.
If the commission is rejected, he will be forced to either reshuffle his cabinet, ask the governments to nominate new Commissioners to replace those in dispute, or resign.
Mr Barroso appealed to the 732-member Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday not to throw out his 24-strong team just because they disapprove of the views of one member.
He promised to set up a new European Fundamental Rights Agency and boost EU measures to protect against anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia.
His move was all intended to ward off a No vote today in protest at Italian commissioner-designate Rocco Buttiglione, who shocked MEPs by calling homosexuality a sin, by saying women's primary role was to have children and stay at home, and by describing single mothers as "not good people."
However, Mr Barroso appeared to be more determined than ever not to concede to the Parliament, telling members they had arrived at a decisive point in the process of appointing the Commission.
"All the information I have makes me think that changing the portfolios would cause more political and institutional problems than they would solve," Mr Barroso said.
He said the vast majority of the 24 Commissioners had received a positive verdict from the Parliament. In the case of the others he said he had taken steps to answer their criticisms.
However, the Parliament remained deeply split last night. The largest party, the centre right EPP's 262 members, will side with their fellow party member, Mr Barroso. The UEN, to which Fianna Fáil belongs and whose vice president is MEP Brian Crowley, will also support him.
The Parliament's second largest group, the 200-member Socialists, is holding together better than predicted against Mr Buttiglione's appointment.
The Liberals, with 88 members, are set to be the pivotal force in the shake-up. While they have a disproportionate one third of the Commissioners, many resented Mr Barroso's attitude.
Two Irish MEPs are expected to vote no Socialist MEP Proinsias de Rossa and GUE Sinn Féin member Mary Lou McDonald.
Avril Doyle, Fine Gael leader in the EPP, has said she will back Mr Barroso.
