Update 2: ALDE, Greens reject Tonio Borg's nomination, Socialists not yet decided

ALDE and Green MEPS have rejected Tonio Borg's candidacy for EU Health Commissioner. During Dr Borg's hearing yesterday, ALDE MEPs expressed serious concerns about his past record which, they said in a statement, suggested a discriminatory attitude on homosexuality, divorce and abortion. This, ALDE said, would be incompatible with Dr Borg's responsibilities as EU public health and consumer policy commissioner, as well as with respect to fundamental rights. ALDE coordinator Chris Davies said: "We recognise that Dr Borg gave a profound performance at the hearing... We have no reason to doubt that he is competent and able. "However, his views on homosexuality, divorce, abortion, and the scientific use of tissues and cells have been well reported and, while he stated his opposition to discrimination and support for human rights, Dr Borg made no attempt to deny his opinions on social issues of great importance... "Accordingly we withhold our support for the confirmation of the Commissioner-designatewith regard to the particular portfolio for which he has been nominated." The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe is the third largest political group...