John Dalli avoided controversy when he faced members of the European Parliament this afternoon in a hearing to assess his suitability to become Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs.

He repeatedly promised consultation with the Parliament and stressed that his guiding principle would be safety of European citizens.

Mr Dalli thanked the MEPs for their 'fair' questions as he replied to concerns on the pharma industry, consumer information and protection, GM food, animal cloning, health standards, access to healthcare and advertising.

Mr Dalli's replies were praised by MEPs, particularly when he said he would be the consumer champion within the commission. He also drew applause when he gave assurances on work he intends to do for people to be informed of how to lead a healthy, sensible lifestyle, rather than to have any impositions made on the people. He had a similar reaction when he said that there was no reason why poor people should suffer poor health.

Following the hearings a number of MEPs contacted by timesofmalta.com gave the thumbs up to Mr Dalli including socialist MEP Eve Gerbhardt, Malcolm Harbour, who is the chairman of the internal market committee and Joe Lienen chairman of the environment committee.

They praised Mr Dalli for being clear and for not attempting to reply when he needed fuller information. They said it was evident that Mr Dalli brought long political experience to the commission.

Mr Dalli's comments can be seen at:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100114/local/dalli-stresses-lifestyle-education

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100114/local/john-dalli-sets-out-his-priorities-applauded-at-introduction