The Ulster Unionist MEP, Mr Jim Nicholson, has warned EU Foreign Affairs ministers to "think very carefully" before appointing former leader of the Labour Party Mr Dick Spring to a new European job in the field of foreign affairs.
Reacting to speculation that Mr Spring is a top contender for the new post of Secretary General of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for foreign and security policy, Mr Nicholson said he was "alarmed" by the prospect. "EU foreign affairs ministers would do well to take account of Mr Spring's less than diplomatic approach to Northern Ireland.
"If they want a heavyweight who can tackle sensitive situations they should look elsewhere," he said.
Speaking from Brussels, the Ulster MEP said the new post was likely to become the public face of the EU on the international stage and that it would be "wrong" to appoint someone from a neutral country to represent the EU on security matters.
Mr Spring has yet to declare a formal interest in the job but on Monday the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, declared his support for Mr Spring as a suitable candidate for the post. The appointment was originally to be made at the Vienna summit next month but it is now likely that it will be part of a package of senior appointments to be made next year.