Photograph: CollinsThe Republic’s next European commissioner will be a Fianna Fáil nominee when the Government makes its selection in 2024, according to Tánaiste and party leader Micheál Martin. Asked if he would be open to Fine Gael’s Mairead McGuinness returning as Ireland’s commissioner, Mr Martin praised her time in office but said the next candidate would come from Fianna Fáil. “There’s a clear understanding and agreement between the parties in Government as to the nomination of the next commissioner that it would be a Fianna Fáil nominee,” he said. However, speculation has focused on Fianna Fáil politicians, including Minister for Finance Michael McGrath or even Mr Martin himself as potential nominees to replace Ms McGuinness. He said there was “no written agreement” with Fianna Fáil on the issue but declined to say if there was an informal arrangement.

Source: The Irish Times December 31, 2023 21:25 UTC