Socialists say Italian nominee to the European Commission must go

THE pressure on the Italian nominee to the European Commission grew last night as the Socialist group in the European Parliament threatened to vote against the entire new commission.

Rocco Buttiglione, a conservative Catholic and adviser to the Pope, has said he will abide by his conscience when deciding EU matters. His comments homosexuality was a sin and marriage a must for women to have children have angered many MEPs.

However commission president designate, Jose Manual Barroso, has defended his choice of Mr Buttiglione for the justice portfolio and appears to be ignoring the role of the parliament in the matter. They must approve the new commission at the end of the month but can only vote for or against the body as a whole and not individuals.