Andrew Duff hails possible deal with Barroso Commission

1.52.08pm GMT Wed 17th Nov 2004

European Liberal Democrat spokesman on constitutional affairs Andrew DUFF welcomed the agreement reached between the political groups in the Parliament to settle the crisis triggered when MEPs rejected the incoming Commission.

Speaking to the Parliament this afternoon in response to Mr Barroso's presentation of his new team, Andrew Duff will say:

"The crisis could have a very good outcome for both the Commission and Parliament. If Mr Barroso accepts our demands for increased accountability, he and his Commission will emerge strengthened.

"If the Parliament gets the practical power to force the resignation of an individual member of the Commission, the government of the European Union suddenly becomes very much more parliamentary than it has been previously.

"The crisis has breathed democratic life into the debate on the Constitution. Parliament's authority has grown and the citizen is the winner."

ENDS/...