Boland outlines mandate during inaugural ceremony as new EESC President

The inaugural ceremony to mark the historic appointment of Seamus Boland as President of the European Economic and Social Committee was the focal point of activity in the EU Parliament Brussels this morning (Friday).

Chaired by the newly appointed President, an Irish culture theme pervaded through the Paul-Henri Spaak building as the Ballycumber native addressed his fellow committee members about his aspirations for his two and a half year term.

Prior to his inaugural ceremony address, there was a musical performance from Kila Irish folk group members Colm Ó'Snodaigh and Brian Hogan who played a specially composed piece to mark the occasion.

Irish poet Vona Groarke then read a self composed poem entitled 'Peregrinus', both works of Irish culture being warmly received in the EU Parliament.

The EESC President's journey from Ballycumber to Brussels was detailed in a short video (see below), highlighting the positive impact the Offaly farmer has had on civil society both in Ireland and now in an EU setting (since 2011).

During his inaugural ceremony address, Boland reiterated his programme of work during his term of office, one which will be built on three pillars - a union of opportunities, a union of security and a union of resilience.

Reaffirming his dedication to the role which he had outlined at an earlier press conference, Boland said his programme would be "people-centred" where the EESC "takes a leading role in positioning civil society at the heart of the EU".

Quoting former EU Parliamentarian and leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in Northern Ireland, the late John Hume, Boland stated that "we don't unite States, we unite people".

"We have to defend the EU because of the values for which it stands - democracy, social justice and equality.

"Working hand in hand with the EU institutions, other EU bodies and the Member States, I aim to deliver on my mandate during the course of my term," Boland said.