ALDE Group Leader Graham Watson has launched his campaign for the presidency of the European Parliament. Speaking about his ambitions for the Parliament's future, Mr. Watson said:
"For too long, Presidents of Parliament have been chosen through backroom deals in smoke-filled rooms. Mine will be the first ever public campaign for the presidency: in this I hope that I will set a precedent.
"We need a proper debate about the role and priorities of the next President. This is what European democracy should be about.
"I hope that by going public with my campaign I will stimulate debate about the candidates and the issues, and spark a contest which will be decided on merit not convenience.
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Previous news story: Europe to enforce driving penalties across borders (Wed 17th Dec 2008).
Next news story: Graham Watson Launches new Website (Wed 7th Jan 2009).
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Fri 16th Jan 2009:
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Mon 1st Dec 2008:
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Thu 27th Nov 2008:
Cancellation of EU-China Summit: "Communist bullying-tactics will not work in Europe" says Graham Watson .
Sat 8th Nov 2008:
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Wed 8th Oct 2008:
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Wed 17th Sep 2008:
The Liberal Democrats' Europe Paper is a necessary refurbishment of pro European values says Graham Watson MEP.
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Mon 28th Jul 2008:
Graham Watson mourns the death of political mentor and friend Russell Johnston .
Tue 15th Jul 2008:
Graham Watson mourns the death of a friend and a great European.
Thu 3rd Jul 2008:
Graham Watson's comments following the release of Ingrid Betancourt.
Wed 11th Jun 2008:
Graham Watson - UKIP claims far from the Truth.
Sat 7th Jun 2008:
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Wed 23rd Apr 2008:
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Fri 11th Apr 2008:
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Wed 9th Apr 2008:
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Tue 11th Mar 2008:
Graham Watson calls for reappraisal of EU policy in the Middle East.
Mon 25th Feb 2008:
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Mon 12th Nov 2007:
Graham Watson MEP again tops the poll.
Wed 17th Oct 2007:
Local MP Murrison is telling porkies, claims Graham Watson MEP.
Tue 28th Aug 2007:
Government decision on Palestinian football team will isolate feelings towards Britain says Graham Watson MEP.
Mon 5th Mar 2007:
Graham Watson congratulates Estonian colleagues on election victory .
Thu 15th Feb 2007:
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Mon 12th Feb 2007:
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Fri 9th Feb 2007:
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Sun 17th Sep 2006:
Graham Watson MEP warns party it must 'raise its game'.
Thu 20th Jul 2006:
Graham Watson: "EU shows its impotence in stemming violence in the Middle East" .
Thu 13th Jul 2006:
Graham Watson comments on Tory Party indecision on EPP membership.
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Tue 13th Jun 2006:
Liberal Democrat Leader Graham Watson demands a better deal for Gibraltar.
Mon 12th Jun 2006:
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Tue 16th May 2006:
Graham Watson: A disappointing decision for Lithuania's efforts to join eurozone .
Wed 19th Apr 2006:
"Chirac must raise case of Ayman Nour to President Mubarak", says Graham Watson .
Tue 31st Jan 2006:
"National parliaments are the guarantors to the success of the Lisbon process", says Graham Watson.
Wed 25th Jan 2006:
Graham Watson launches compendium of Liberal Democrat thinking on Globalisation.
Tue 20th Dec 2005:
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Tue 20th Sep 2005:
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Mon 18th Jul 2005:
"Even when the tide turned foul, Edward Heath persisted in sailing a steady course", says Graham Watson MEP.
Tue 12th Jul 2005:
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Fri 3rd Jun 2005:
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Mon 25th Apr 2005:
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Fri 15th Apr 2005:
"Recent riots in Chinese province will test regime's human rights credentials" says Graham Watson.
Wed 13th Apr 2005:
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Wed 2nd Mar 2005:
'The "London meeting" on Palestine can deliver real benefits', says Graham Watson.
Mon 10th Jan 2005:
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Thu 9th Dec 2004:
Graham Watson MEP to visit The Mead Community Primary School, Hilperton, Wiltshire.
Mon 22nd Nov 2004:
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Thu 28th Oct 2004:
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Tue 14th Sep 2004:
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Wed 6th Sep 2006:
Scotland Must Act as a Magnet for Migration or Miss Out says Bute born Graham Watson, MEP .
Related Speeches:
Thu 29th Mar 2007:
Plenary Speech by Graham Watson - 29th March 2007.
Tue 16th May 2006:
Graham Watson MEP answering the Commission statement on Bulgaria and Romania.
Fri 4th Feb 2005:
Speech by Graham Watson MEP to the Congress of PNL, the National Liberal Party of Romania .
Wed 10th Nov 2004:
Speech by ALDE Group Leader Graham Watson MEP to the CALD Parliamentary Conference .
