EURO-MPs from the north west have met with journalists to discuss how they can make Brussels and Strasbourg feel closer to home.

They believe the issues they vote on in the European Parliament are far more significant than the EU myths' about banning bent bananas and the great British pint.

"It is a key issue for us - how to make Europe relevant to people locally," admitted Labour MEP, Arlene McCarthy, before outlining how, as a committee member for consumer protection, she covers issues such as mobile phone charges, the importation of weapons and the trade in animal furs.

"MEPs have more power than MPs at the moment," added John Whittaker, of the UK Independence Party, who bizarrely enough would find himself out of a job if his anti-Europe party got into power.

And the Liberal Democrat's Chris Davies admitted that MEPs were desperate to get out there and let people know they are doing a decent job'.

So what do they do and how are they relevant to Warrington? Of the nine MEPs representing the north west, only two have apparent links to the town.

Brian Simpson (Lab) lives in Great Sankey and, as head of the North West Rail Campaign, has called for better parking at Bank Quay station and more frequent stops in Warrington by the Liverpool to Manchester service.

Mr Simpson, however, did not attend the MEP and media get-together, and neither did Conservatives Sir Robert Atkins nor David Sumberg. The remaining MEP with Warrington connections is Den Dover (Con), who was born in Stockton Heath but now lives in Chorley.

Mr Dover sits on the European Parliament's industry committee, currently redefining what vodka' is, based on its ingredients - a decision which will affect brands like Vladivar, originally made at Greenalls in the 1980s.

The UK loses six of its current 78 MEPs in the 2009 elections to accommodate newcomers Bulgaria and Romania.

Critics often liken the EU to Big Brother but in two years' time it really will be a case of: Who goes? You decide'.

Until then we should expect more clammering for attention.