Race for Hogan’s job down to two
Two FG faithful get the nod... a long-time MEP, Mairéad McGuinness, and the other is a senior banker
IRELAND remains well placed to secure a substantive EU Commission portfolio having selected two ‘high-calibre’ candidates, the Taoiseach has insisted.
Micheál Martin expressed confidence yesterday that whoever succeeds Phil Hogan following his ‘Golfgate’ resignation will be given a top job.
His comments came after vice-president of the European Parliament Mairéad McGuinness and Andrew McDowell, the former vicepresident of the European Investment Bank, were chosen as the candidates.
‘Given the quality of the candidates put forward I believe we can get a portfolio of substance and of quality,’ Mr Martin said.
Ms McGuinness is a longstanding MEP first elected in 2004, while her rival for the post is a senior banker and former adviser to Fine Gael.
Their selection ends speculation linking Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney or former government minister and current MEP Frances Fitzgerald with the vacant commissioner’s job.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will interview the nominees next week ahead of the successful candidate being formally appointed by the European Council.
In a statement last night, Ms McGuinness said she is honoured to be nominated by the Taoiseach for the European Commission post, along with Mr McDowell.
‘I want to thank the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and leader of my party Leo Varadkar, and leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan for this expression of confidence in me,’ she said.
‘It’s a great honour to be nominated as a candidate for a role that is so influential in the lives of citizens and businesses across Ireland and the entire EU, as it is to serve as I do as first vice-president of the European Parliament. Andrew McDowell is someone for whom I have a great deal of respect, having worked closely with him at various junctures in the past,’ she said.
‘We await the decision of President Von der Leyen following the interview process. Meanwhile, I’m focusing on completing negotiations on EU Climate Law, which will enshrine in legislation the target of climate neutrality by 2050.’
Mr Hogan quit last month amid controversy surrounding his attendance at a golf event in Co. Galway that was in contravention of Covid guidelines and his prior movements around the country when he was supposed to be selfisolating under travel quarantine guidelines.
He had been the EU’s commissioner for trade and had been expected to play a key role in negotiating the post-Brexit deal with the UK.
It has not been decided what portfolio Ireland’s next commissioner will be handed.
A Government statement said of the nominees: ‘The Government believes that both are candidates of the highest calibre, possessing the necessary competence, independence and European commitment to serve in the role of Commissioner with distinction.
‘In keeping with the provisions of the European Treaties, President von der Leyen will now consult with the European Parliament before the appointment of a new Commissioner is made by the Council.
‘The question of the allocation of roles within the Commission is also one for President Von der Leyen. However, the Government firmly believes that both candidates have demonstrated that they have experience, skills and capacity to serve and to make a contribution in the most demanding roles.’
Ms Von der Leyen tweeted: ‘The Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD has informed me of the nomination of @MaireadMcGMEP and @ AMcDowell as the Irish candidates for the post of commissioner. I will interview them early next week on their qualifications for the job.’
‘It’s a great honour to be nominated’ ‘Experience, skills and capacity’