EU/Opposition reaction: Opposition parties yesterday put aside their criticism of the minister for finance, Mr Charlie McCreevy, and congratulated him on his appointment to the European Commission, writes Carl O'Brien
The Labour Party's deputy leader, Ms Liz McManus, said that, while the party had disapproved of his policies in the past, "nobody ever doubted Charlie McCreevy's abilities."
"I hope Mr McCreevy will now use his new appointment to implement policies that will promote the interests of the consumers and workers of Europe, rather than simply big business," Ms McManus said.
"This is clearly a significant and prestigious post that involves responsibility for an important area of EU work."
Fine Gael's spokesman on enterprise, trade and employment, Mr Phil Hogan TD, wished Mr McCreevy every success in the new post.
"While much of this agenda has been developed over the last 10 years, there is a job of work still to be done, especially given the inclusion of 10 new member- states to the EU this year," he said.
"I congratulate Charlie McCreevy on his appointment to this new position and I wish him every success in his portfolio."
Fine Gael's MEP on the European Parliament's internal market committee, Mr Simon Coveney, also said he looked forward to working closely with Mr McCreevy on business and consumer-related matters, particularly affecting Ireland.
The Green Party's finance spokesman, Mr Dan Boyle TD, said he wished Mr McCreevy every success, but expressed hope that his policies would not result in a less equal Europe.
"It will be interesting to see how Charlie McCreevy progresses competition within the internal market, in particular given that the draft European constitution pushes the EU in a direction on the privatisation of goods and services that we in the Green Party believe would be detrimental for public services," Mr Boyle said.
"Given his ideological bent as minister for finance, we hope a less equal Europe, especially in relation to the accession countries, won't be the result of Charlie McCreevy's term in European office."
Sinn Féin's finance spokesman, Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, said Mr McCreevy should use his position to promote economic integration on the island of Ireland.
"There are already special provisions to allow the German government to use state aid to complete the reunification process in Germany. Ireland should enjoy similar support for promoting Irish reunification," Mr Ó Caoláin said.
"Peace and unification in Ireland are European issues, and the new Commissioner should put them high on his agenda."
Meanwhile, the outgoing commissioner, Mr David Byrne, said the choice of Mr McCreevy for post was "a recognition of his achievements and ability."
"It is an honour for Ireland and an opportunity to enhance the reputation of Irish contributions to the creation of a peaceful and prosperous Europe," Mr Byrne said.
The leader of the Fianna Fáil group in the European Parliament, Mr Brian Crowley MEP, said Mr McCreevy's portfolio would be a "challenging and important" one.
He said Mr McCreevy would play a central role is pushing ahead with Lisbon Strategy reforms, which set the goal of making the EU the most dynamic economic region in the world within the next six years.