EU top jobs: real work starts now

10.00.00pm GMT Thu 19th Nov 2009

Liberal Democrat Constitutional Affairs spokesman Andrew Duff MEP (East of England) and delegation Leader Fiona Hall MEP (North East of England) have welcomed the conclusion to the appointment process for Europe's 'top jobs".

They were responding to this evening's announcement that Herman van Rompuy will be the new European Council President and the UK's EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton will be the new High Representative for Foreign Policy.

Mr Duff said: "The deal will strengthen Commission President Barroso and put him at the top of the tree. The choice is not very exciting but will bring stability and clarity to the new roles envisaged under the Lisbon Treaty."

Ms Hall added: "Mr van Rompuy and Baroness Ashton might not be well known, but at least we have one man and one woman in the two posts.

"Now that the top jobs have been appointed, the real work must begin. Baroness Ashton will need all the negotiating skills she has developed in the House of Lords and as Trade Commissioner."

ENDS.