Hogan unlikely to get second term in coveted EU role

PHIL Hogan’s dreams of a second term as EU Commissioner are set to be dashed as the Irish Mail on Sunday has learned that Leo Varadkar is considering giving the coveted role to another.

Sources close to the Taoiseach said last night that although Mr Hogan is judged to have done ‘a good job’ there is a desire to ‘break from the past’ and replace the former Minister for Environment.

Mr Hogan was proposed as the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in November 2014 along with the rest of the ruling EU Commission.

The EU will expect a nomination from the Government on the candidate for the role after next June’s local and European elections. Though it would appear to be quite a time away, such is the demand for one of the most prestigious roles in the Taoiseach’s gift, jockeying for position has begun.

Ministers close to Mr Varadkar said last night that Tánaiste Simon Coveney, a former MEP, may be offered the job.

Those Ministers believe that he would be interested in the prestigious position. This would get a party rival off the pitch without the appearance of a demotion.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy was also mentioned by colleagues, as it would offer Mr Varadkar the opportunity to remove the struggling Minister from a toxic portfolio without losing too much face.

With Brexit placing European affairs in the forefront of Government importance, the decision on a successor will be key. If the Taoiseach believes that a woman is the best person for the job, MEP Mairéad McGuinness or even former EU Minister and close friend of the Taoiseach, Lucinda Creighton, will come into the discussion.

Whatever the decision, the European Union Commissioner and its five-year term is seen as the most valuable patronage gift at the Taoiseach’s disposal.

A newly appointed EU Commissioner will earn a total of €336,446.65 in their first year, before tax, as well as expenses to cover the move to Brussels.

The basic annual salary is €250,000, subject to low EU tax, with substantial add ons. The Taoiseach’s salary is €200,000.

Once the candidate is formally confirmed the new commissioner will receive his or her salary and benefits.

One minister who supported the Taoiseach during the takeover from Enda Kenny said: ‘Phil has done a good job, but Leo is a new man and this is a new regime.’