The EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection has been presented with the 2000 European of the Year award, organised by the European Movement and Aer Rianta.
Mr David Byrne was nominated for turning his role into one of the most pivotal positions in the European Commission and for becoming one of the EU's most identifiable faces. The other finalists were Tommie Gorman, RTE's Europe Editor, Mr Pat Cox MEP and Mr T.J. Maher, chairman of Bothar, the aid agency.
After receiving his award, Mr Byrne highlighted the importance of member-states dealing responsibly with their BSE problems. He said beef consumption in Britain was now higher than it was before the BSE crisis began, possibly because consumers knew there was someone in charge and the necessary safeguards had been put in place.
Presenting the award, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern refer red to recent EU criticism of Ireland's policies on tax and spending and said the Government acknowledged the concerns of the Commission. "At the same time, we have a right and a duty to make clear our own understanding of the issues involved and that is what we are doing."
He said EU enlargement would bring new economic opportunities. "The levels of Irish trade with, and investment in, the applicant countries are rising sharply and the expansion of the single market by over 100 million new consumers will create many customers for our goods and services."
