Michael McGrath has been named the next EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law.

The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has named her College of Commissioners for the next five years.

Mr McGrath, who resigned as Finance Minister to be Ireland's nominee in Brussels, was the only name put forward by the Government.

Every member of my team will bring in their own experience and perspectives on Europe.  
 
Together, we will be one team, working towards one common goal.
 
To make Europe stronger. pic.twitter.com/xIvDNv4C7t

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 17, 2024

This is despite a request by President von der Leyen for each country to nominate a man and woman for her to choose from.

Mr McGrath's portfolio is seen as a blow to the Government which had been hoping for a higher-profile economic assignment.

Portugal's nominee Maria Luís Albuquerque has replaced Mairéad McGuinness as the Commissioner for Financial Services.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin earlier denied Ireland's position was damaged by Irish MEPs voting against President von der Leyen for the top job in July.

"President Ursula von der Leyen has been clear that the parliamentary vote had no bearings, one way or the other, in terms of her attitude and her approach to selecting the Commission," he told Newstalk Breakfast.

"She has made it very clear it has no implications one way or another in terms of her selection.

"She did indicate that there are huge pressures on her... there's been a lot of different pressures from different states".

Mr Martin was asked if the four MEPs were wrong to vote against her.

"They took a decision, I had my view on it, but they had made commitments to the electorate and they felt they wanted to uphold their commitments that they made to the electorate who had voted for them," he said.

He added that President von der Leyen is "adamant that that has not been a factor in her selection of Commissioners".