Exercise diplomacy and give Fidias a chance

Theodosis Pipis’ article ‘After series of blunders, Fidias Phenomenon is rapidly turning sour’, (Sunday Mail, July 28) made me angry. For someone working at the European parliament his perspective was somewhat narrow, impulsive and arrogant. Even new presidents and prime ministers are given 100 days before any first judgements are made.

Firstly, to refer to a ‘lost seat’ demeans the process of democracy. Albeit mainly young, and perhaps disillusioned young people voted for him because he spoke their language and because he has shown humanity, humility and humour, something the average EU politician, or most politicians for that matter, seriously lack.

And to then condescendingly talk of ‘immaturity’ and ‘lack of respect’ is disrespectful in itself. Fidias is 24 and has admitted he has little experience in politics but will do his best to learn. To judge him on the basis of one or two incidents over the first month, while he is still coming to terms with his new role, is seriously unjust. From my own experience, any new job takes at least three months before you know what you’re doing, so I think we should at least grant him that.

The article was a knee-jerk reaction. After a month in office, to call him a ‘stroppy MEP’ and to say ‘he is failing’, ‘redundant’ and ‘I can’t wait to see his blunders’ is immature in itself.

Rather than criticise in this way, perhaps where possible, those working in the EU could lend support to new members, especially when young and inexperienced. That’s how we exercise diplomacy and respect democracy.

Ken Kokkinos, Nicosia