Irish MEP, concerned about Dalli's resignation, Greens want transparency

Irish MEP Nessa Childers has voiced "serious concerns" over the resignation of EU commissioner John Dalli, The Parliament.com reported. The S&D MEP said it appeared the Maltese commissioner had been "forced" to resign after a complaint by a tobacco firm. She pointed out that Mr Dalli had been a "champion for stronger tobacco control in the commission and was preparing the upcoming directive in this area". Her comments come as the commission yesterday moved to defend its position in the continuing row over Dalli's resignation. Mr Dalli wrote to MEPs yesterday to explain his case and to urge them to push the Commission to see his Tobacco Directive through. On Monday, a commission spokesman said it was "politically untenable" for Dalli to remain in his post as health and consumer policy commissioner after the findings of the OLAF anti-fraud office. Ms Childers said there were three clear priorities now: to find out exactly what happened, to make sure the tobacco directive went ahead without any delay and that  lobbying in Brussels was put under the spotlight and regulated better. "One thing is sure, that the tobacco industry is the main winner with the fall of Dalli. I hope...