Irish MEPs congratulate Minister Dara Murphy on election success

The four Irish EPP/Fine Gael MEPs have congratulated their colleague, Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs, Dara Murphy TD, on his election to the influential positon of Vice-President of the European People's Party (EPP). 

"As Minister for European Affairs, Deputy Murphy brings a wealth of experience to his new position of EPP Vice-President, having represented Ireland at the General Affairs Council, and both the Foreign Affairs Council and the Justice and Home Affairs Council in his previous ministerial capacity. Within the EPP family, Minister Murphy is a well-known figure having co-chaired meetings of the EPP Foreign Affairs Ministers and represented Fine Gael at EU level," Seán Kelly MEP, leader of the Fine Gael delegation in the European Parliament said.

"Minister Murphy will further strengthen the strong presence of Fine Gael in the EPP, the largest political party in Europe, in this new role. Indeed, as the UK prepares to hold a referendum on EU membership and given Ireland's close relationship with Britain, Minister Murphy's role as Minister for European Affairs and now EPP Vice-President will be significant with regard to negotiations and any future implications.

"On behalf of the Fine Gael MEPs, I want to congratulate Minister Murphy on his success - we look forward to supporting him in the role," Mr Kelly concluded.

- Issued on behalf of the Fine Gael MEPs (EPP Group): Seán Kelly MEP (Ireland South), Mairead McGuinness MEP (Midlands North West), Brian Hayes MEP (Dublin) and Deirdre Clune MEP (Ireland South).