Baroness Ashton 's controversial European appointment (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Baroness Ashton 's controversial European appointment

9:40am Friday 20th November 2009

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A ST ALBANS woman has been appointed to one of the most important and conspicuous positions in Europe, representing the EU in international negotiations.

Meeting last night, EU leaders appointed Baroness Cathy Ashton, 53, as their High Representative, equivalent to a foreign minister.

Baroness Ashton, who was born in Lancashire but has lived in Homewood Road, St Albans, for many years, was formerly EU trade commissioner and has also been leader of the House of Lords.

She will work alongside the newly-appointed EU president, Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy.

As a centre-left woman from a large EU nation, Baroness Ashton contrasts with Mr Van Rompuy, providing balance at the top of the EU.

The role of High Commissioner was created by the newly ratified Treaty of Lisbon, to the anger of eurosceptics who argue it undermines national sovereignty and identity.

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