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One of top two euro jobs created under Lisbon should go to a woman

Issued : Tuesday 3 November, 2009

European leaders should ensure that one of the two top jobs which will be created when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force in December should be filled by a woman, according to Labour MEP Nessa Childers.

Speaking from the European Parliament in Brussels, she said, “This is an historic day for Ireland and for Europe. The last hurdle preventing the Lisbon Treaty coming into force has been removed with the signing of the Treaty by President Klaus of the Czech Republic.

“Without the expression of the democratic will of the Irish people one month ago, this momentous day for Europe would not have come to pass. The thousands of Irish people who took to the streets, shopping malls and housing estates in support of the treaty last month deserve special commendation across the EU today."

Nessa Childers continued, “Minds will now focus on who should fill the two key positions provided for under the Lisbon Treaty. EU leaders can make an historic leap forward by deciding to appoint a woman to the position of EU President or to the job of foreign representative.

“It was disappointing to see a potential candidate of the calibre of Mary Robinson rule herself out of consideration for such significant roles.

“Notwithstanding this, there are numerous high profile women who can challenge the status quo and bring the same commitment to social and economic justice to the roles of President of the European Council and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy as Mary Robinson.

“President Barrosso’s stated commitment to ensuring greater gender balance on the incoming European Commission should be similarly reflected in an urgency to apply the same conditions to the consideration of candidates for the two powerful new roles provided for under Lisbon.

“To date, the debate has been dominated by which man will assume the job of President and there has been little or no discourse about the women who are well qualified and well capable of doing the job. A decision to appoint a woman to one of the two top jobs in Europe would be an enormous positive step for the EU.”