Significant apprehensions have been voiced concerning the likelihood of Michael McGrath, the impending European Union commissioner from Ireland, acquiring a substantial role within Ursula von der Leyen’s second commission. This prevailing gloomy narrative evokes the fable of the English, Scottish, and Irish individuals condemned to be beheaded. The English and Scottish were spared due to a malfunctioning guillotine but the Irish individual, upon his turn, took a moment to inspect and suggested a potential solution to fix the mechanism.
A competition for status is inevitable in an organisation teeming with leaders, this being a product of the commendable notion that every member state can nominate a commissioner.
Moreover, it should be emphasised that two variables might pose a disadvantage for McGrath. Initially, the Irish Government’s resolution to put forward a single nominee for their next commissioner instead of a balanced two-person ticket of both genders, which von der Leyen had requested. Additionally, the fact that the four MEPs of Fianna Fáil voted against von der Leyen’s reappointment in the European Parliament due to her prematurely perceived response to the Hamas attacks last October, which appeared to suggest that Europe was granting free rein to Binyamin Netanyahu.
While I lack direct personal knowledge of von der Leyen’s present mindset, my experience within the team of two Irish commissioners allows me to highlight the context of the aforementioned negative elements and bring to the fore several overall factors that could potentially be advantageous for McGrath.
Von der Leyen’s call to member nations to put forward both male and female candidates for potential commissioner positions is quite justifiable. Similarly, the choice of the Irish Government, among others, to only propose a single nominee is equally justifiable. It is commonplace for two completely rational strategies to clash. Von der Leyen is undoubtedly right in advocating for gender equality in the European Commission, while the Irish Government is justified in its nomination of a notably capable and seasoned Minister for the commission. It wouldn’t be fair to ask the nominee to either step down sans assurance of a European position, or to remain but risk undermining his Ministerial standing if not chosen from a pair of candidates. It’s probable that von der Leyen comprehends this and the intricacies of coalition governance.
McGrath has shown that he is an exemplary team member in the government, with a consistent cooperative and soothing approach to his work.
When assessing the situation, the Fianna Fáil MEPs should have endorsed Von der Leyen during the vote on her reappointment. The overall situation strongly suggested this, considering Europe’s immense global challenges, an exceptionally effective commission president, and the need to maintain the centre ground in the midst of rising populism and far-right ideologies. However, I hope that she recognises the intensity of public sentiment in Ireland and elsewhere, including within her own staff, concerning the actions of the Israeli government. Also, that she comprehends that the Fianna Fáil candidates pledged to respond to this sentiment during a fiercely contested European election campaign to reinforce the very same middle ground in the Irish milieu.
One factor that should be considered is the considerable value in McGrath assuming a robust role. As von der Leyen is well aware, heading up such a complex commission is a mammoth task. She stands to lose if talents at her disposal, such as McGrath’s, are not utilised wisely. His accomplishments, along with Paschal Donohoe, have significantly contributed to one of the best-performing economies in Europe over several years. McGrath possesses a unique individual quality that can prove beneficial within a commission that often lacks a strong sense of unity and teamwork. He has shown that he has a co-operative approach and calming manner of operating, acting as a remarkable team player within government. It is assumed von der Leyen will be mindful of these attributes.
Another consideration is that von der Leyen’s parliamentary majority, much like a Christmas puppy gift, was not just for a single day – the day her renomination gained approval. The varying majority necessary for her policies and legislative agenda to gain approval will require her manoeuvring and persuading, and maintain cohesiveness through intricate negotiations for the next challenging five years. Essential participation in this majority will have to come from Fianna Fáil MEPs, who are part of the Renew Europe political group, which boasts Barry Andrews as a notable member.
Lastly, it should be noted that the Dublin coalition government that backed McGrath comprises of three parties: Fianna Fáil, the Green Party and Fine Gael – von der Leyen’s own European People’s Party group. Despite opposition from its own MEPs, Fianna Fáil supported her nomination, including within the European Council. The European level group of the Green Party will play a crucial part in her parliamentary majority in the future years.
While outcome and her decision remains to be seen, it would be wise to not impulsively disparage the impressive candidacy of Ireland’s nominee, McGrath.
The author, Bobby McDonagh, has served as the Irish ambassador to several countries including the UK, Brussels and Italy.