Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, has stated that the Government will not submit to Ursula von der Leyen’s request for a secondary nominee for Ireland’s European Commission representation, along with former finance minister Michael McGrath’s name. Highlighting the precedence of European Union treaties that allow each member state to choose their commissioner, Mr Harris stressed the significance of this prerogative.
Mr Harris expressed his resolute intention to maintain a close working relationship with Ms von der Leyen, who he perceives as a just individual eager to curate the most competent team. Following her reappointment as the Commission’s leader on Thursday, Ms von der Leyen proposed that countries nominate two individuals, a male and a female, as their representatives.
In response to this requirement, Mr Harris explained that Ireland has previously delivered either one or two names. He recalled instances wherein a solitary male or female name was given. For this specific instance, he said, only Michael McGrath’s name is to be forwarded. He stressed that there was no intention to disrespect the president’s views with this decision, speaking on the fringes of the Patrick MacGill Summer School in Glenties, Co Donegal.
Mr Harris, describing the former Fianna Fáil minister as a politician of true substance capable of making a significant contribution to the Commission, implied that it would have been incorrect to include him on a two-person list for Ms von der Leyen. He reasoned that Mr McGrath, who had just relinquished his ministerial role and had vacated Cabinet, is intensively preparing for his new position—the Government sought to afford him the certainity he needs during this crucial phase.
It is believed that Ms von der Leyen was disheartened when 10 out of 14 Irish MEPs, including all four representatives from Fianna Fáil, voted against her nomination to head the Brussels Executive. It appears that Mr Harris shares her sentiment, as he pointed out that there was a consensus among the European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialist group, the Greens and Renew, which encompassed Fianna Fáil, to cast their votes in favour of Ms von der Leyen. Fine Gael is also an EPP member.
Mr Harris stated, “It is significant that commitments made at the European coalition level are observed. The Renew group was part of this alliance. Certain MEPs chose to reject this standpoint. The repercussions of this action lie with them and their party.
“Within our country, attempts are occasionally made to misrepresent the support for President von der Leyen, insinuating that only the EPP backs her. However, we take pride in her and the reality is that her support extends beyond just the EPP, forming a wider coalition. This fact often gets overlooked.”