MEP (Green) for Dublin since 1994; Vice-President, Delegation for Relations with Member States of ASEAN, South East Asia and Republic of Korea

This Parliament's contribution? The fact that it's the only institution in the EU to which the people elect representatives - so you have to go back to the people

Own proudest achievement? I feel I've brought an alternative view of the EU that isn't as favourable as Irish MEPs were in the past . . . a much wider argument was being heard. Also the McKenna Judgement in 1995 forced Government to recognise there are two points of view and that it cannot bombard people with propaganda

Frustration? That the institutions are so bureaucratic

Absences from sessions: 79 (including maternity leave)

Motions for resolution: 129

Reports: Seven (plus two contributions)

Questions: 157 (of which 100 in 1997)

Debates: 95

Teacher's note: A likeable battler. Lacks nuance, has scattergun approach to issues, but serious about her job and about the broad European project