British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair today had his first talks with newly elected president of the European Parliament Mr Pat Cox.
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Mr Pat Cox
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European Parliament president and MEP for Munster Mr Cox came to 10 Downing Street for a brief meeting with Mr Blair before the arrival of US vice-president Mr Dick Cheney.
Mr Cox, MEP for Munster since 1989 and president of the European Liberal Democrat Group, became the first Irish politician to be elected European Parliament president on January 15th this year.
On his election, he said that his 30-month term would be devoted to fighting for more power for MEPs and less decision-making behind closed doors by EU governments.
He has backed enlargement of the EU into Central and Eastern Europe, greater economic and social policy integration and the development of an EU constitution - "with a large or small C".
PA