The result of the election for the Commission President was clear - 382 votes for, 219 votes against and 117 abstentions. A majority of MEPs voted to support Jose Manuel Barroso. The Commission President looked relieved to have been elected. Members of the the EPP, Liberals and new European Conservative and Reformist groups gave him a standing ovation. The Socialists and Democrat Group, Greens, GUE did not clap and sat quietly. The division between left and right in the chamber is not surprising considering the results of the European Elections in June where the right won. It would appear that the far right and eurosceptics also voted against.

In his acceptance speech he thanked the EPP group for lending their support at their Warsaw Congress and for backing his programme. He also thanked the Portuguese Prime Minister, Socrates, for his support. He took the opportunity to say that his party was Europe and that the integration of Europe was needed.  He said he had a special duty to citizens and that his programme was for a stronger Europe for freedom and solidarity. He was determined to work with all members. It is clear that the new Commission President is a committed pro-European who has support of the right and liberals of the house. If he is to work with all members he will need to work with the left of the house too.

Now Commission President Barroso must put his new team of Commissioner together. No matter what happens in the Irish Referendum, a new Commission should be in place by the end of the year. Who will be the new faces and what will be their portfolios? Who will stay and who will go?   Will there be controversy over nominees? Will the hearing process be even more open and transparent? Who will get the top posts? There are many questions which must be going through the re-elected Commission President's mind. One thing is certain- that the Parliament will have an interesting few months ahead as we listen to the programme of the Commission in more detail. The work of MEPs in preparing the hearing process will be essential. Lets get on with the job of scrutinising the new Commissioner candidates.