Minister Cowen congratulates Pat Cox on election success
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen TD, today wrote to Mr Pat Cox MEP to congratulate him on his election to the position of President of the European Parliament.
The Minister wrote in the following terms:
“I am delighted to offer my warmest congratulations on your election today as President of the European Parliament.
Your well-deserved success is a great tribute to your personal qualities and to the esteem your very substantial contribution to the European Parliament has earned for you among your colleagues. As a fellow Irish politician, it gives me great pleasure to salute so significant and indeed unpredecented an achievement.
You will be taking on your new responsibilities at an important time for the Parliament and for the Union as a whole, as it prepares to greet new members and as it embarks upon the Future of Europe debate. I know that both of us share the view that it is vital that this process brings the Union substantially closer to the people.
Your term as President of the European Parliament will also coincide with Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 2004. I look forward to a continuing close and positive relationship between the Government and the European Parliament in the coming period. Last October, Ireland had the honour of receiving your predecessor, Mme Fontaine, on an official visit. I hope that, in addition to all your normal trips home, a similar visit can soon be arranged for you at a suitable time.”
