Fine Gael short of friends in European grouping
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen
.
The German was speaking at the congress of the
European People's Party
, the grouping of centre-right parties that dominates EU politics. It hasn't been the friendliest place lately for its Irish member,
Fine Gael
.
The EPP has the most seats in the
European Parliament
and the most national leaders sitting around the table at regular EU summits. It counts the parties of Polish prime minister Donald Tusk and incoming German chancellor Friedrich Merz among its number.
The EPP leadership had decided that landmark European Union reforms to tackle climate change had gone too far
Behind the scenes, it wields significant influence over the political agenda of the European Union, driving a recent rightward shift on migration and climate policy.
READ MORE
In the European Parliament this has left Fine Gael's four MEPs looking isolated, on the more centrist, liberal wing of the group.
This drift came to a head last year. The EPP leadership had decided that landmark EU reforms to tackle climate change had gone too far. Farmers were taking to the streets to protest and the 2024 European elections were fast approaching. The pushback was led by the EPP's leader in the parliament, Manfred Weber, a conservative German MEP.
The group opposed legislation that would require EU states to reverse biodiversity and nature loss. However, Fine Gael broke ranks in a crunch European Parliament vote, defying their EPP colleagues to help pass the Nature Restoration Law. 'That's remembered in the EPP,' said one source in the grouping this week. Weber is certainly unlikely to forget it.
Simon Harris taking over as Fine Gael leader also offered a chance for a reboot
Efforts have been made to repair relations and improve Fine Gael's standing in the group over the past year. The greater focus now put on Europe's economic competitiveness has helped, as that's a topic where Fine Gael comfortably aligns with the rest of the group. 'On the economy, we're 100 per cent in line with the EPP,' said Sean Kelly MEP.
Simon Harris taking over as Fine Gael leader also offered a chance for a reboot. He was an unknown entity on the European stage when he became taoiseach. His predecessor, Leo Varadkar, had a network built up within the EPP over many years, something Harris has had to work to cultivate over the last 12 months.
A lot of the horse trading that goes on in Brussels takes political affiliation into account. So having a good relationship with other leaders and players in the EPP camp can help influence decisions.
Working this informal EPP circle will be important for Harris as Minister for Foreign Affairs, to win others around to the Republic's thinking on how the EU should respond to US president Donald Trump's trade tariffs.
The Fine Gael contingent in the European Parliament has picked up an eagerness from Harris to improve relations inside the EPP and with the party's MEPs. 'There has been a difference, Harris does want to engage more', said one source.
At the congress in Valencia this week, former EU commissioner and Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness was elected to be one of the EPP's 10 vice-presidents
A mark against him was his absence at a meeting bringing together party leaders in Berlin earlier this year, organised by Weber and Merz. The EPP's 'leaders' retreat' took place in mid-January, when Harris was tied up selling the Coalition deal underpinning the current Government to his party members.
At the congress in Valencia this week, former EU commissioner and Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness was elected to be one of the EPP's 10 vice-presidents.
Fine Gael has traditionally always held one of the vice-president positions. Helen McEntee was the last Irish politician in the role, elected for a three-year stint in 2019 when she was minister of State for European affairs.
Eyebrows were raised in the EPP when Fine Gael failed to nominate anyone to run to take over from her. The party wanted to win the position back this time. Out of 12 candidates, McGuinness finished ninth in the internal election, taking the second-last vice-president spot.
The conference also gave Fine Gael some insight into what to expect from Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, who will take over as German chancellor next week.
Speaking to delegates in Valencia, Merz said Germany would drive European politics again. 'I know that many of you expect more German leadership than we have seen in the last years, both in the EU and on the international level ... We will and we have to invest a lot more energy into moving Europe forward,' he said.
The conservative politician is on the right flank of the EPP and made it clear that this is the direction he hopes to steer things. In his conference speech, Merz said the EU should take a much tougher approach to asylum seekers, expand as a defence and military power, and roll back 'nonsense' regulations.
When Harris got up to speak on Wednesday, he talked about the EPP fighting the rise of populism from a 'progressive and compassionate' centre ground.
The majority of the EPP favours Merz's vision. Fine Gael will either have to follow him to the right or get comfortable remaining out of step with their European colleagues.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Over 220 MPs call for Britain to recognise Palestine as Starmer says this will be 'part of wider plan'
SOME 221 MPS from across different political parties have joined forces to call on the UK Government to recognise a Palestinian state. The MPs have urged the UK Government to take the step ahead of a United Nations conference in New York next week. This follows France's announcement yesterday evening it will formally recognise Palestine at a UN summit in September. France is the biggest and most powerful European country to recognise Palestine. More than 140 countries recognise a Palestinian state, including Ireland, doing so last May . The MPs' letter, co-ordinated by Labour's Sarah Champion, said: 'We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality.' Parliamentarians from Labour, the Conservatives, Lib Dems, SNP, Greens, Plaid Cymru, SDLP and independents are among those who signed the letter. Champion acknowledged 'recognition alone will not end the suffering in Gaza or the rapid expansion of settlements and settler violence in the West Bank'. But she said it would be an important step on the path towards a two-state solution to end the war. The Labour MP added: 'Recognition would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people, that they are not alone and they need to maintain hope that there is a route that leads to lasting peace and security for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people.' Ministers have faced growing calls to recognise a Palestinian state immediately amid mounting global anger over the starving population in Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this evening that such a move needed to be part of the 'pathway' to peace in the Middle East, which he and allies are working towards. 'That pathway will set out the concrete steps needed to turn the ceasefire so desperately needed, into a lasting peace,' Starmer said. He added: 'Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. Advertisement 'But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis.' He also said that the 'appalling scenes in Gaza are unrelenting' and added: 'The continued captivity of hostages, the starvation and denial of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, the increasing violence from extremist settler groups, and Israel's disproportionate military escalation in Gaza are all indefensible. In a statement released today alongside the leaders of France and Germany, Starmer urged 'all parties to bring an end to the conflict by reaching an immediate ceasefire'. Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also called for Israel to stop restricting the flow of aid into Gaza. Charities operating in Gaza have said Israel's blockade and ongoing military offensive are pushing people there towards starvation, warning that they are seeing their own workers and Palestinians 'waste away'. Israel says it allows enough aid into the territory and faults delivery efforts by UN agencies, which say they are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of security. As he left for Scotland today, US President Donald Trump suggested that Macron's announcement that France would recognise Palestinian statehood was unimportant. 'What he says doesn't matter', Trump told reporters at the White House. Starmer will meet the US president during his five-day private trip to Scotland. US-led peace talks in Qatar were cut short yesterday, with Washington's special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of a 'lack of desire to reach a ceasefire'. The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce. Hamas-led militants based in Gaza abducted 251 people in the 7 October attack in 2023 that triggered the war and killed about 1,200 people. Fewer than half of the 50 hostages still in Gaza are believed to be alive. Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Government urged ‘not to delay solemn promise' of VAT cut for hospitality sector
THE GOVERNMENT HAS been urged 'not to delay its promise' of cutting the VAT rate for the hospitality sector to 9% in the upcoming budget. Despite election promises and ministerial pronouncements, government this week has been signalling that a cut to the VAT rate for the hospitality sector may not go ahead in Budget 2026. Tánaiste Simon Harris said the government had made a 'solemn' commitment in the election to reduce the VAT rate for the hospitality sector, but this week the government has been sending mixed signals on how it will proceed. Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1 yesterday, junior justice minister Niall Collins said the VAT cut was not a 'done deal'. VAT for the tourism and hospitality sectors was reduced to 9% during the Covid-19 pandemic at a cost of €1.2bn to the exchequer. The previous 13.5% rate was reinstated last August, despite the sector's opposition. Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has called on the Government to follow through on its 'promise to permanently cut the rate of VAT for the hospitality industry to 9% in Budget 2026'. Jean McCabe, CEO of REI, said that 'after a tough few years, the Government's solemn promise to cut the VAT rate for the hospitality industry was welcome'. 'It would be regrettable for it to delay its promise now,' she added. 'There are too many livelihoods at stake not to introduce a measure as soon as possible that would have such a significant impact on the industry, and on related industries such as retail.' She said the government must do 'everything in its power to strengthen our domestic economy at a time when we need it most'. McCabe also called for the general rate of VAT be cut from 23% to 21% to assist the retail industry. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has criticised the 'deeply misleading' figure of €1 billion per year that was quoted earlier this week regarding the cost to the Exchequer of reducing VAT for hospitality businesses. On Tuesday, during a press conference on the Summer Economic Statement, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe told reporters that the one-year cost for reducing the hospitality VAT rate to 9% for restaurants and hotels would be between €950mn and €1bn. However, later in the press conference, Donohoe said he would need to clarify if that figure did include hotels. A spokesperson for the minister told The Journal today that, based on CSO data, the total one-year cost for restaurants and hotels is actually €810mn. This is split €675mn for restaurants and cafes and €135mn for hotels. The cost for hairdressers would be an additional €40mn. IHF Chief Executive Paul Gallagher said it's time for an 'honest and balanced debate' that 'recognises the economic and social importance of hospitality food service businesses and gives them a fighting chance to survive'. He noted that the 'true cost involved is significantly lower than the widely quoted €1bn figure cited by the Government in recent days' Gallagher added: 'The Government's narrative has had the effect, intended or otherwise, of driving a wedge between the public and the hospitality industry, framing the VAT reduction as a giveaway to businesses. 'This is extremely divisive and simply not true.' He said the 9% VAT reduction sought would apply to prepared food services, such as meals in restaurants, takeaways, commercial kitchens and food served on transport. 'The real beneficiaries are small food businesses,' said Gallagher, 'many of which are operating on the brink of survival due to extreme food cost inflation and shrinking margins. 'Reducing VAT on food services is not a handout to hospitality businesses – it is a vital intervention for a sector that supports over 270,000 livelihoods and contributes significantly to the economy.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
‘She could wander into traffic': Dementia patient's daughter pleads for safer housing before Cork hotel eviction
Vera Arksonova spends every waking hour consumed by fear that someone is coming to hurt her. She carries around as many possessions as she can in the belief that she is being watched and will soon be robbed of everything. The 72-year-old resident of the Quality Hotel in Youghal knows that something is coming. The fact that she and other Ukrainian families will be forced to leave their homes on July 31 has only served to heighten her confusion. It was initially believed that the grandmother was suffering from shock when she arrived from Ukraine three years ago. Tests carried out by Irish doctors confirmed the condition was in fact dementia. Vera is now cared for by her daughter Violetta. The 31-year-old has two children — a daughter Samira (nine months) and five-year-old son Damir — with her husband Roman. Violetta explains that Roman also has a litany of health challenges following concussions sustained during his time on the frontline of the war with Russia. A brain injury he experienced during childhood had been further compounded by battle wounds. Violeta Pratsovyta (left) with her mother Vera Aksonova. Picture: Dan Linehan Hundreds of Ukrainian residents of the Youghal hotel were first told they had to vacate six months ago via a letter from the Department of Integration. That announcement sent shockwaves through the seaside town, as the refugees, who had built lives in Youghal, were initially given just two weeks to prepare to leave their makeshift home. Following a huge local campaign and a groundswell of support for the residents, many of whom had been living in the hotel since shortly after the Russian invasion of their country, the eviction date was subsequently extended to next week, July 31. Violetta has since received news that her family is being relocated to a hotel in Waterford city. Details of the new living environment have come as a devastating blow, given that the accommodation is situated on a bustling city street. Violetta described it as an extremely dangerous environment for her mother, as a dementia sufferer who is known to wander off at any time of day or night. Often times, she will be searching for the shops and bus stops she once frequented back home in Ukraine. She is now pleading with the government to reconsider their choice of accommodation for the family. 'This will be really dangerous for her,' Violetta said, fighting back tears. 'We have comfort here, knowing that she is safe and in an enclosed environment. "Sometimes my mother will visit the reception of the hotel three times and ask the same questions because she doesn't remember going there. She is known to wander off but everyone looks out for her here. If they see her acting in a such a way that is aggressive they know it's dementia. There are not many cars here so we know she's not in danger. Now, we have to take her to a busy place where nobody knows her and she could easily wander into traffic. She also reiterated the importance of routine for her mother's health. 'My mother needs access to a kitchen. This is essential for her mental health. "Cooking, chopping, and washing dishes helps her stay connected to reality. Her doctor stated that having a kitchen is part of her therapy. Without it, she may rapidly deteriorate.' Violetta does her utmost to reassure her mother. 'My mother believes that someone is trying to hurt her. She absolutely refuses to move and keeps saying she wants to return to Ukraine. She often talks about it and says she feels unwell. Her appetite has also declined. She is afraid that we will leave her. Lately, my mother's condition has worsened. She sleeps very poorly at night and often gets up and walks around. "The doctors have prescribed her different medication to help her fall asleep, as the previous ones were no longer effective.' Vera's biggest fear is losing their adored dog Dana. Residents have been told they cannot bring their pets with them. Violetta, however, said they are not about to part with a member of their family. 'My husband has vowed to sleep with him in the car every night because we can't have him inside. He has been with us since I was pregnant with my first child. "He fled war with us so there is no way we can give him up. We don't want him to be put to sleep.' Oleksandra Makoviei, who is also a resident in the Youghal hotel, said that exceptions should be made for families like Violetta's. 'I thank the government because we would never have had this opportunity without them. We were able to learn English for three years and find jobs. "It's okay for me because I have a healthy mother. Violetta has too much on her shoulders. The children are used to school in the area. We help each other. Violetta has support here. It's harder for some families than others. Fiona Corcoran from Cork charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause, who has been lobbying on behalf of the Quality Hotel residents, reminded the government of their duties. 'This is not just a moral issue, it is a legal one. According to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, public bodies are legally required to act in accordance with the principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, especially when it comes to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, women, children, and war-affected families. "We at The Greater Chernobyl Cause are steadfast in our dedication to providing support to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters during this critical period, which is of the uttermost importance. It is entirely unjust to forcibly remove Ukrainian residents from their sanctuary, particularly those who are ill and require medical care.' She said that forcing people to part with their pets will be truly heartbreaking for families. 'The government allowed Ukrainian refugees to bring their pets from war-torn Ukraine. Now, they are forcing them to find new homes for their animals. "Life would be incomplete without their pets. They provide essential emotional support in coping with the trauma caused by death, occupation, conflict, and the experience of becoming a refugee. "We must also remember that our Ukrainians cannot return home because there is no safe area in war-torn Ukraine.' Read More Cost of accommodating each asylum seeker rises to €84 a day
