The leader of the Socialist group within the European Parliament, Hannes Swoboda, was quoted as saying, in reference to European Commissioner-designate Tonio Borg, that “We do not need another Rocco Buttiglione”. Dr Borg and Mr Buttiglione have nearly nothing in common. They are of a different age and different era, have a different mentality and character, come from different backgrounds and political parties and are also from different countries. However, they are both practising Catholics.

So Mr Swoboda’s disparaging remark was directed at their religion and belief. This is discriminatory and racist. Or is it for other religions that the remark is to be labelled as such?

Mr Swoboda should resign for this discriminatory and racist remark. Jose Manuel Barroso, please note.