Low profile personalities need high profile policies

11.48.00am GMT Fri 20th Nov 2009

Commenting on EU leaders' appointment of Herman van Rompuy as President of the European Council and Baroness Cathy Ashton as foreign policy chief, London Liberal MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"It is very good news that a Briton has secured the foreign affairs post. At least in this area, the UK adds weight to EU common efforts. It is impressive that with Cathy Ashton and her counterpart Hilary Clinton, transatlantic diplomatic leadership is in female hands."

"The British tabloid press' almost racist targeting of Herman van Rompuy for being Belgian just exposed their ignorance and prejudice."

"There is no doubt about the competence and quiet efficiency of both appointees. Eurosceptics can hardly complain that they will adopt a low-key consensual approach instead of a 'traffic-stopping' one. Ashton's comment that she is not an 'ego on legs' highlights the importance of high profile policy substance over personality in the EU role on the international stage."

"But the haggling and horsetrading method of appointment has not done the EU any credit. A better way must be found in future than this secret cabal akin to the selection of the pope."

ENDS