EU has 'no credibility' on human rights or international law, says former Irish President Higgins

Former Irish President Michael D. Higgins has delivered a sharp critique of the European Union, asserting that the bloc possesses no credibility regarding human rights or the fundamental principles of international law. His comments came during a forum on neutrality held in Dublin.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Higgins expressed his hopes for the upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU Council. He suggested the presidency would be most effective if it focused on restoring a measure of credibility to the European Union. "The European Union has no credibility in relation to rights, human rights, the most basic norms of international law," Higgins stated.

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I wish the Irish Presidency well, and I think that it will be at its best when it seeks to restore a moderate credibility of some small stock to the European Union. The European Union has no credibility in relation to rights, human rights, the most basic norms of international law.

Beyond his criticism of the EU's standing on human rights, Mr. Higgins also addressed the issue of intolerance. He described the "waves of hate" being generated externally as appalling and a profound rejection of shared values. His remarks were part of a two-day event, the People's Forum on Peace and Neutrality, which also saw speakers opposing the government's proposal to alter the "triple lock" system governing the deployment of Irish troops abroad.

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The waves of hate that are being produced by other people outside of this jurisdiction altogether are simply so appalling and such a rejection of everything we stand for.