Michael McGrath has been frequently visiting the European Commission’s headquarters at the Berlaymont as he waits to find out his role as the upcoming EU commissioner representing Ireland. There has been increased lobbying from the Irish government and officials in Brussels in the past two weeks to attempt to secure a significant portfolio for Ireland.
The list of portfolios to be assigned to each EU country has been in the process of being crafted and edited by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Although the details are tightly guarded, there are rumours circulating that Mr McGrath might be in the running for the position of justice commissioner, or the commissioner for research and innovation.
There was an expectation for the announcement of the commissioner roles to take place earlier this week, but this has been postponed to the following Tuesday, and it appears likely that it will be postponed again. From the beginning, the Irish government has expressed interest in a financial portfolio for Mr McGrath, owing to his background as a former finance minister, and prior to that, public expenditure minister.
High-ranking roles in that field could encompass the commissioner for the economy, for trade, for the internal market, commissioner for competition, and the role overseeing the EU budget. However, officials predict these positions might be out of reach or already promised to other nations.
The position for financial services commissioner, a middle-tier role last held by Ireland’s outgoing commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, is viewed as a more feasible option. The former Fianna Fáil minister, Mr McGrath, has made several visits to Brussels since July, having met with many of the existing commissioners in the Berlaymont, and having met with Dr von der Leyen at the end of the previous month.
Despite fierce competition from other nations such as Finland, Ireland is making a late lobbying push for a European Union (EU) commissioner role specific to research and innovation. This position is lower on the table of portfolios, however, it is anticipated to be beneficial for the country. Finland, previously speculated to fill a role for digital policy, has been observed to show interest in the research and innovation role, too. Henna Virkkunen, former minister, current MEP and one of the few female nominations from Finland, is the proposed candidate for the position.
Potential roles up for grabs include the commissioner for justice, who is responsible for leading the EU in curbing member states’ breaches of the rule of law. Many amongst Brussels’ political circuit believe in the fluidity of possibilities before the final decision.
However, there is private acknowledgement in government quarters that the relationship with Dr von der Leyen, the EU commission president, has been less than satisfactory recently. Ireland was one of the first to turn down a request for nominating at least one woman for the commission team, aiming for gender parity. Additionally, the country’s four MEPs voted against Dr von der Leyen’s reappointment for a second term in the European parliament.
To sway the commission president’s decision, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have both reached out in support of Irish official, Mr McGrath. It is perceived that additional representations from Ireland are expected. The strategy is to emphasize Mr McGrath as a reliable choice, capable of handling sensitive portfolios.
However, the announcement of the selected commissioners is delayed due to a disagreement in Slovenia. A late nomination change has caused a parliamentary committee headed by the opposition party to delay approval. This may result in further last-minute lobbying as each country struggles to maintain its position before Dr von der Leyen’s final decision.
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