EPP support “enormously solid”, says Cox

Date: 13/12/01

PARLIAMENTARY presidency candidate Pat Cox has dismissed suggestions that support for him from the European People's Party is softening.

Cox's Liberal party struck a deal with the EPP back in 1999 that ensured the current president, Nicole Fontaine, would get their vote - on the understanding that the EPP would return the favour when her term ended.

There has been mounting speculation that support for Cox from the EPP was wavering, particularly as there are now five candidates for the 15 January election.

But Irishman Cox, a former lecturer and TV presenter, says support from the EPP remained "enormously solid".

He said: "I believe this speculation has been the product of spin, not substance and, as far as I am aware, there has been no softening of support."

The other main contender for the job, Socialist David Martin, vice-president of the Parliament for 12 years, addressed members of Cox's Liberal group at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

He outlined his main policies and took part in a question-and-answer session.

"You could say I went into the lion's den but it went pretty well," he said.

Parliamentary presidency candidate Pat Cox has dismissed suggestions that support for him from the European People's Party is softening.