Advertisement

Frances Fitzgerald confirms interest in European Commissioner role

Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed she would like to be considered for the position o...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

12.58 31 Aug 2020


Share this article


Frances Fitzgerald confirms in...

Frances Fitzgerald confirms interest in European Commissioner role

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

12.58 31 Aug 2020


Share this article


Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed she would like to be considered for the position of European Commissioner.

The former Tánaiste has said she is aware the appointment is a complex Government decision, but that she is interested.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked the Irish Government to put forward two candidates - a man and a woman - to replace Phil Hogan.

Advertisement

Mr Hogan resigned from the role last week amid the controversy over his attendance at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner.

Vice President of the European Parliament and Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness has already expressed her interest in the role.

She has said it would be unwise to not put forward both a male and female candidate.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is strongly tipped to be nominated, as it is believed he will have the best chance of retaining the Commission's trade portfolio.

It has been speculated the Government may only put forward one name amid fears that the reputation of an unsuccessful candidate would be damaged.

The Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green leaders met to discuss their options on Friday, and they're expected to meet again today.

An announcement on the decision could be made as early as tomorrow.

Main image: File photo of Frances Fitzgerald. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Share this article


Read more about

European Commission Frances Fitzgerald

Most Popular