DUBLIN/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Phil Hogan quit as the EU's Trade Commissioner on Wednesday after days of pressure over allegations he breached COVID-19 guidelines during a trip to his native Ireland, saying it had become clear the controversy was a distraction from his work. Hogan attended a golf dinner last week that outraged the Irish public and led to the resignation of an Irish minister and the disciplining of several lawmakers. Only weeks ago, he had considered a bid to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization. The commissioner, who oversees trade policy for the world's biggest trading bloc, apologised three times for attending the event with some 80 others. It may not retain the same brief if von der Leyen opts to reshuffle her team.

Source: The Star August 26, 2020 18:40 UTC