Clune wants EU special envoy for Northern Ireland

MEP Deirdre Clune says an EU Special Envoy to Northern Ireland will help bridge a democratic deficit.

The Ireland South representative, along with her Fine Gael European Parliament colleagues is proposing the new role to formalise communications and address issues.

The five MEPs have proposed the creation of the special representative in a letter sent to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and to the EU’s chief negotiator with the UK and Vice-President of the Commission, Maroš Šefčovič. 

MEP Clune, recently appointed a lead negotiator in adopting the new Medicines proposals in the Windsor Framework, says “Northern Ireland remains inside the European Union Single Market for goods, yet has no formal representation in the institutions.

A fully resourced envoy will help bridge the democratic deficit.

The role will also formalise communication with Northern Ireland representatives and assist in identifying and addressing issues.”