The Taoiseach has said he is “flattered” by reports he is in the running for the top job at the European Union – insisting he is fully focused on his role at the head of the Irish Government.
EU leaders are due to meet again this weekend to continue talks on who should become the next European Commission President.
The Financial Times last night included Leo Varadkar among the potential candidates for the position after European leaders failed to reach agreement on the appointment last week.
This morning however, the Taoiseach dismissed suggestions he is angling for the role.
“First of all, I am flattered to be considered for the position of EU Commission President,” he said.
“But I have a job; it is as Taoiseach of Ireland.
“I am loving the job; I am only getting started I hope so I have no plans for a career change at this stage.
“When it comes to appointing our member of the EU Commission; that will be done in consultation with the Cabinet once there is a president in place.”
The European Parliament has called for the role to go to leader of the biggest European-level political group – the European People’s Party’s Manfred Weber.
Mr Weber has the backing of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel; however, French President Emanuel Macron is believed to favour Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
Other potential EPP candidates include the current competition commissioner, IMF head Christine Lagarde and the European Council President Donald Tusk.
EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager from the Liberal bloc and Frans Timmermans from the Party of European Socialists are also in the running.
Speaking after the meeting last week, Mr Varadkar remarked that is often “quicker to elect a Pope” than fill top EU positions.
