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Former Irish PM John Bruton dies after long illness

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Former Taoiseach John Bruton, a prominent figure in Irish politics known for his contributions to the Northern Ireland peace process, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling illness. His family confirmed his death, expressing their sorrow and remembering him as a devoted husband, father, and patriot.

Bruton served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and played a significant role in advancing peace in Northern Ireland alongside UK Prime Minister John Major. Together, they launched the Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995, a pivotal moment in the peace process.

John Major paid tribute to Bruton, highlighting his dedication to peace and describing him as a formidable servant of Ireland. He emphasized Bruton’s commitment to prioritizing peace over political interests during challenging times.

Born in Dublin in 1947, Bruton began his political career in 1969 when he was elected to represent Meath in the Irish Parliament. During his tenure as Taoiseach, he led a coalition government and notably oversaw a referendum leading to the legalization of divorce in Ireland.

Current Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar praised Bruton as a “doer and a philosopher,” emphasizing his efforts to bridge divides and reach out to the unionist community. President Michael D Higgins also honored Bruton’s energy and dedication to politics, particularly his contributions to the Northern Ireland peace process.

Bertie Ahern, Bruton’s successor as Taoiseach, remembered him as a gentleman and a genuine advocate for the people. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed deep sadness at his passing, echoing sentiments of loss across political spheres.

In Northern Ireland, political figures including First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly extended condolences to Bruton’s family. Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris also expressed sympathy, acknowledging Bruton’s positive impact on Anglo-Irish relations and his role in laying the groundwork for the Good Friday Agreement.

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Legal Challenge by Expelled Migrants in Europe Against EU’s Frontex Ends in Defeat

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The European Union’s highest court has rejected a case against the European border agency Frontex, which was brought by a Syrian refugee family forcibly sent from Greece to Turkey in 2016. The family’s lawyers argued that Frontex should be held responsible for the deportation of refugees without the opportunity to apply for asylum, which is considered illegal under international law.

However, the European Court of Justice dismissed their challenge, stating that Frontex lacks the authority to assess the merits of return decisions or asylum applications, and therefore cannot be held liable for any harm caused.

The Syrian family, consisting of a husband, wife, and four young children, arrived in Greece in 2016 as part of the European migrant crisis. They registered their intention to seek international protection on the Greek island of Leros but were subsequently transported to the island of Kos. After just eleven days in Greece, the family alleges that they were flown to Turkey by Frontex and Greek authorities without being given the opportunity to apply for asylum or receiving an expulsion decision. The family claimed that they were misled into believing they were being taken to Athens when they boarded the plane. During the flight, the parents were reportedly separated from their children, who were between one and six years old at the time, and they were not allowed to communicate with anyone during the journey.

The family was released in Turkey but lacked access to housing, water, or sanitation. They later fled to northern Iraq. In 2021, they brought their case to the European Court of Justice, supported by human rights lawyers and the Dutch Council for Refugees.

Following the court’s ruling, the family expressed their disappointment, emphasizing that Frontex should be held accountable for their unjust treatment. Their lawyers indicated that they intended to appeal the decision.

Legal experts argued that individuals should not be deported to another country without a proper assessment of their need for asylum, which they claim did not occur in this case.

The Dutch Council for Refugees and the law firm representing the family stated that the ruling raised questions about how Frontex should ensure respect for fundamental rights in its activities, as mandated by its role.

Frontex responded by requiring EU member states to confirm that individuals were given the opportunity to seek international protection and that their applications were processed in accordance with EU laws.

The European Parliament had previously noted that human rights organizations, media, and civil society groups regularly reported cases of pushbacks or collective expulsions at the EU’s borders, often involving excessive force by EU member state authorities. Frontex had faced accusations of failing to protect individuals in these situations.

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European outcry forces US economist to drop top job

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Fiona Scott Morton, a highly qualified American economist, has decided not to take up the position of Chief Competition Economist in the European Commission following widespread criticism of her appointment. The strongest objections came from France, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing doubts and questioning whether there were no qualified European candidates for the role. Scott Morton, a Yale University economics professor, has an impressive background, including working in the US justice department’s antitrust department during the Obama presidency. However, she has also worked as a consultant for major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, which raised concerns given that her job would involve regulating these digital giants.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager defended the appointment, highlighting Scott Morton’s corporate experience as an asset. Nevertheless, Scott Morton made the decision not to take up the post due to the political controversy surrounding her appointment and the importance of having the full support of the EU’s competition directorate. Opposition to her appointment came from various quarters, including President Macron and several Commission colleagues, as well as the four largest political blocs in the European Parliament. However, after discussions with Scott Morton, some concerns were addressed, and Philippe Lamberts of the Greens expressed support for her.

Critics argued that the criticism of Scott Morton’s appointment was unjustified since her role would primarily involve overseeing economic evidence in competition enforcement rather than favoring specific competitors. Nobel Prize-winning economist Jean Tirole praised her qualifications and stated that the European Commission was fortunate to have attracted someone of her caliber. Margrethe Vestager emphasized that the suggestion of bias based on nationality was questionable and clarified that Scott Morton would only need to recuse herself from a few cases.

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