The Taoiseach is to discuss the outcome of the elections for the European Parliament in Brussels today.

Simon Harris is at an informal European Council meeting to talk about its implications for appointments to the key EU institutions.

He says it is incumbent on leaders of the Member States to nominate the right team to lead these institutions for the next five years.

The Taoiseach has been asked if Ursula von der Leyen should be backed again as European Commission President.

“As of now, there are no names on the table,” he said. 

“There is a process that needs to go through; I would hope a consensus will emerge and I hope it will emerge quite quickly because I don’t think now is the time for instability or a vacuum in terms of leadership at a European level. 

“We’ve just talked about Ukraine, about the Middle East, about the cost of living crisis, inflation. 

“There is a need for clarity around European leadership.” 

Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: Thierry Monasse/dpa

Mr Harris hinted the Irish Government will support President von der Leyen’s bid for a second term in office. 

“I’m obviously a member of the European People’s Party,” Mr Harris said. 

“Ursula von der Leyen is our lead candidate; the EPP did win more seats in the European Parliament elections but I do want to, out of courtesy, to the process I’m about to go through, to allow the process to unfold. 

“I don’t expect any decisions to be made at that meeting.” 

Despite unhappiness among some regarding her support for Israel, President von der Leyen remains the favourite.

Main image: Simon Harris and Ursula von der Leyen. Picture by: Alamy.com