Reactions (6): Borg promises to work with all quarters after successful EU vote

Updated with reactions to Dr Borg's appointment - Tonio Borg said this afternoon that he would work with all political sectors after the European Parliament voted to back his nomination to the European Commission. MEPs early this afternoon approved the nomination with 386 votes in favour, 281 against and 28 abstentions. The secret vote was taken in a plenary meeting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Dr Borg watched proceedings from his sitting room at home in Lija. Dr Borg's appointment now has to be formally confirmed by the European Council. Dr Borg will then assume his post immediately and will resign from the Maltese Parliament, meaning that a casual election or a co-option will have to be held to fill his seat. The prime minister will also need to appoint a new foreign minister. Today's vote had been uncertain with the socialist group joining the greens and the liberals in opposing the nomination yesterday. The PPE group voted solidly for Dr Borg along with the conservatives and other centre right groups. It appeared that some MEPs from the dissenting groups also voted for Dr Borg. Dr Borg in initial comments said his feeling was like somebody who...