Sir, - The continued attacks by Fine Gael on the new Commissioner, David Byrne, are a disgrace and have no foundation. David Byrne has secured a very influential portfolio - Consumer Protection and Food Safety. Representing a food-producing and exporting nation, he will play a critical role in securing consumer confidence in the food we produce, eat and sell.
When Fine Gael appointed Peter Sutherland as EU Commissioner from his position as Attorney General, he received the Competition portfolio, which was not high-profile. It would have been very easy to attack and deride the decision without giving Peter Sutherland a chance, but that was not in the national interest.
During the length of his term, Peter Sutherland used his skill and ability to bring the importance of competition to the top of the European agenda. David Byrne will do the same with consumer affairs and food safety, which is an area that directly affects all of our daily lives. - Yours, etc.,
(Senator) John Dardis, Seanad Eireann, Dublin 2.