Micheál Martin has insisted that Fianna Fáil MEPs’ opposition to the re-election of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had no influence on the portfolio handed to Ireland’s new EU commissioner.
Ms von der Leyen nominated former Fianna Fáil minister for finance Michael McGrath as the next Commissioner for Justice on Tuesday.
Ireland had been lobbying for an economic portfolio when the posts in the new-look Commission were distributed among member states.
Fianna Fáil leader Mr Martin was asked on Tuesday whether Ireland might have stood a better chance of getting a post with fiscal responsibilities if not for the failure by his party’s four MEPs to publicly back the re-election of Ms von der Leyen in July.
Mr Martin, who was attending the second day of his party’s think-in event in Killiney, Co Dublin, dismissed the suggestion, saying he had spoken to Ms von der Leyen and she made clear the vote in the European Parliament was not an issue.
“She was very clear to me that the parliamentary vote, she was long past that,” he said.
“She had met Michael, she was impressed with him, and she had to balance a whole range of other issues, so that was not a consideration in her determination in respect of the composition of the commission and the allocation of portfolios.”
Mr McGrath insisted his portfolio was an indication of Ireland’s standing as a country, and Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was a “strong and influential appointment”.
The European Commission president revealed the portfolios for the new team of commissioners in Strasbourg on Tuesday morning.
The appointments still have to be ratified by the European Parliament.
Mr McGrath was handed the Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law portfolio.
“I am honoured to be proposed for the Justice portfolio by President von der Leyen and I look forward to engaging with the European Parliament ahead of the hearings for the new commission in the weeks ahead,” he said.
“The portfolio is a vitally important one for Europe. Protecting our democratic values, rule of law and the rights of our citizens is fundamental to the future development of the EU and of the single market.
“It is the first time that Ireland will hold this portfolio and is a recognition of our standing as a country with a strong democratic and open society.”
He added: “In addition to the core justice elements of my portfolio, I am very pleased to be given responsibility for the protection of consumer rights across the EU.
“I welcome this opportunity to apply my skills to new areas of responsibility and I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Government and by President von der Leyen.”
The Commissioner for Justice is responsible for leading the EU’s efforts to tackle breaches of law by member states.
The commissioner is also responsible for enforcing legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Ms von der Leyen said: “I have entrusted him (Mr McGrath) with the responsibility to take forward the European Democracy Shield.
“He will also lead our work on the rule of law, anti-corruption and consumer protection.
“Michael McGrath has an excellent track record, and he has experience in a leading ministry.
“So working his way through political questions, the commissioners are not technical experts. They are political leaders.”
Mr Harris said: “I have worked closely with President Ursula von der Leyen in recent weeks and today’s announcement is a vote of confidence in Ireland’s candidate.
“Anti-corruption and consumer protection will be amongst his many powers and duties, as well as the wide-ranging justice portfolio.
“I have worked with Michael at Cabinet and he has the skill set and the work ethic to make a massive impact in this brief.”
