John Moran, former Secretary General of the Irish Department of Finance, speaking at a Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) event in Dublin yesterday (29 May 2019) said that following the European elections the centre of power in the European parliament has fundamentally changed.
The results, said Mr Moran, mean that the duopoly of power between the European Peoples Party and the Socialists is broken. This will impact the Parliament’s priorities for the next five years, and critically define how the next generation of EU leaders will be selected.
The much-feared lurch towards populist nationalist ideals didn’t happen, and the largest voter turnout since 1994 has given a strong mandate to pro-EU parties.
As for the impact on Ireland, Moran said: "As a very pro EU country, the configuration of the new Parliament should suit Ireland. However, the departure of the UK hastens the need for strong new alliances for Ireland with like-minded countries. Is it time for a renewed focus on an Atlantic alliance to mirror and work with the Eastern and Central European pro-EU countries?"
John Moran with CISI Ireland President, Frank O'Riordan MCSI