Independent MEP for Munster, Pat Cox, lost no time in flexing his muscles following his election as leader of the European Parliament's third largest group, the Liberals. For a time in Strasbourg this week it was difficult to know which of his three declarations of war caused the greatest consternation. However, by Wednesday evening priorities had asserted themselves. At his first press conference he called on the EU to support military action against the Serbian leader, Slobodan Milosevic; for the abandonment of Irish neutrality; and the reform of MEPs' expenses. He even took a swipe at Fidel Castro, nominating Cuban dissident, Marta Cabello for this year's Sakharov (Human Rights) prize.
The first of these issues raised, however, was expenses, and that evening the Parliament's bureau indicated it was deferring discussion on the matter. It is not expected to raise its ugly head again for some time. With Cox, the PDs' loss has become Europe's gain - but considering his "taking out" of the former PD leader Des O'Malley in the last Euro elections, maybe Slobodan and Fidel should be careful out there.