Pat Cox hailed as 2002 European of the Year
Pat Cox MEP, President of the European Parliament, received uproarious applause when he was presented with the 2002 European Movement / Aer Rianta European of the Year Award by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at a gala reception in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, today.
The European of the Year Award is organised by the European Movement and sponsored by Aer Rianta. The Award was created in 1988 by the European Movement to highlight and commend the work of Irish people who have made significant contributions in different European areas.
Pat Cox was nominated as a result of his outstanding record of achievements to date as President of the European Parliament. He was also nominated for his dedication and tireless efforts during the Nice Treaty referendum to bring the issues to the citizens of Ireland.
In his speech accepting the award, Pat Cox stated that "I am very proud to receive this award at a personal level and also as recognition of the work of the European Parliament.
"As Irish Europeans, we renewed our commitment to Europe through the votes on the Nice referendum last year. This year, with important developments such as the Convention on the Future of Europe, I hope we continue to keep our Irish eye on the European ball."
The Taoiseach described the winner of this year’s award as "a man who has succeeded in every arena he has entered - lecturing, broadcasting and politics.
"It came as no surprise to me when he was elected President of the European Parliament. A Limerick man who could persuade the people of Cork to elect him to the Dáil is clearly capable of overcoming any political obstacle."
