Maria Walsh MEP has welcomed today’s election of Malta’s Roberta Metsola for a second term as President of the European Parliament, saying she will be a friend to Ireland during crucial times in Europe.
MEP Maria Walsh has worked closely with President Metsola over the past number of years on issues such as migration, mental health and equality which will remain core priorities for MEP Walsh over the coming term.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, said:
“Hailing from a small member state similar to our own, I know President Roberta Metsola will be a good friend to Ireland over the coming years. As we traverse the issues of migration, climate action, defence and enlargement, it’s incredibly important we have a leader who understands the opportunities and limitations facing small countries.
“I have worked closely with President Metsola since my election in 2019, and I consider her to be a valued colleague and friend. We share many guiding principles, as well as a strong commitment to making mental health a European priority. I look forward to continuing my work on mental health, in particular furthering my campaign for a European Year of Mental Health, over the coming years with support from President Metsola.
“Since her time as Coordinator for the Justice & Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee, President Metsola has been an instrumental leader on the EU stage in delivering the first ever European migration strategy. I share her dedication to the need for a humanitarian approach to this issue and intend to continue my work on implementing the EU Migration Pact through the LIBE Committee over the next term.
“President Metsola has also tackled the issues of transparency and integrity in the European Parliament head-on, taking decisive action to introduce MEP transparency reforms in the wake of the Qatar corruption scandal.”
