Independent MEP Marian Harkin today (21 May) gave her full back backing to Irish Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly's candidacy for EU Ombudsman, highlighting her "impressive track record as a strong and politically independent figure".

Independent MEP Marian Harkin today (21 May) gave her full back backing to Irish Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly's candidacy for EU Ombudsman, highlighting her "impressive track record as a strong and politically independent figure".
Ms. O'Reilly was today officially shortlisted for the important role of European Ombudsman, along with five other candidates.

Speaking from Strasbourg, Ireland North & West MEP Harkin argued that "Ms O'Reilly has all the attributes required to be successful in this key EU position, and during various meetings with MEPs from all political groupings she has impressed greatly with her knowledge and competence".

"Also, it must be noted that a number of MEPs have put their names forward for the position, a move which I think is not wise given that the role is supposed to be strictly non-political, and not associated in any way with the support of political groups in the Parliament" Harkin added.

"I hope my fellow MEPs will choose between the politically independent candidates in the first instance, and when they are narrowing down their choices between the three independent candidates, I will be urging them to back Emily O'Reilly, who is the most experienced, most impressive and for my money the most suitable candidate in the field," the Independent MEP concluded.

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Background: The European Ombudsman is an ombudsman for the European Union, based in Strasbourg.

Any EU citizen or entity may appeal the Ombudsman to investigate an EU institution on the grounds of maladministration: administrative irregularities, unfairness, discrimination, abuse of power, failure to reply, refusal of information or unnecessary delay. 
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