Hogan bunkered in wake of furore over golf dinner

RESIGNATION: EU left handicapped after experienced trade commissioner forced to quit over Covid-19 breach

What has become known as ‘Golfgate’ in Ireland has cost the EU one of its most effective and popular commissioners.

Despite mounting a robust defence of his decision to attend a political golf event in Ireland, Phil Hogan was left with no option other than to resign as trade commissioner – a prized brief he secured on the strength of his track record as farm commissioner.

His resignation was inevitable, but across all sectors of industry his loss is being seen as a major blow at a time when trade is a crucial issue.

The view in the EU farming lobby is that it has lost an ally at the heart of the Commission.

It is also a blow for hopes of a pragmatic post-brexit trade deal between the UK and EU27.

For Hogan, this looks to be the end of a political career which propelled him from family livestock markets into the Irish government and then on to Brussels as farm and then trade commissioner.

Meanwhile, the EU is talking down the prospect of a post-brexit trade deal, accusing the UK of failing to engage in discussions.

The big question is whether this is genuine, or part of a well-honed Brussels approach of talking up the difficulties to create the hothouse atmosphere needed to drive a deal.

Ironically, in accusing the UK of failing to engage, Brussels suggested last-minute deals were not how business

“Despite the tough line from Brussels, negotiators there and in London know neither side can afford a ‘no deal’ heading into a severe recession

was done there – when in fact the reality is the exact opposite!

Whether this tough line is real or orchestrated only time will tell, but the UK has responded in measured tones, confirming it was committed to finding a manageable arrangement to allow free trade.

Talks will begin again on September 7, with the focus on delivering an outline agreement EU heads of state can sign off on in October.

Despite the tough line from Brussels, negotiators there and in London know neither side can afford a ‘no deal’ heading into a severe recession.

The UK is also desperate for a trade deal with the United States, but despite the politics of that for the Trump administration, the US sees the benefits of a deal with the EU and 500 million consumers over the UK’S 60 million.

Ironically, one of the last actions by Phil Hogan was to sign a mini-trade deal with his US counterpart, freeing up restrictions on some industrial goods.

While this was a small step, it was symbolic, with both sides underlining their commitment to policies that would pave the way for a wider transatlantic deal between the US and EU27.

This has helped ease trade tensions over the punitive tariffs imposed by the US in the dispute between Boeing and Airbus over subsidies.

It was a sign that Hogan could deliver and was a natural deal maker – but less than a week later, he was gone.

Picture: Babylania. EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan resigned following a trip to his native Ireland.