Mac the knife McCreevy has brought his thatcherite policies to Brussels

national | eu | other press Monday September 05, 2005 17:09 by mafia watcher

Old habits die hard, McCreevy is still working hard for big business. I am sure his efforts will be richly rewarded.

EUcommissioners in charge of two of the most powerful portfolios in Brussels have strongly criticised France and Italy for their protectionist moves.

In separate speeches given at an economic forum in Italy over the weekend, competition commissioner Neelie Kroes and her internal market colleague Charlie McCreevy singled out the countries to drive home their point about the benefits of a single market and free trade.

The commissioners' words are likely to rile both countries, particularly France which has been on a collision course with this commission since it came into office last year due to its much publicised adherence to a free market agenda.

Under EU rules, member states may protect industries that take part in public security or the defence of public health but Brussels fears the interpretation of these rules may be stretched in these countries as they look to prevent foreign takeovers.