The government is being warned that it’s vital a swift decision is made on who will replace Phil Hogan as Ireland’s EU Commissioner.
The Government is now considering just who will replace Phil Hogan, but the successful candidate isn’t guaranteed the coveted trade portfolio, which it’s feared could have serious consequences for Ireland.
Following his resignation last night, the President of the European Commission has signaled her disapproval of Phil Hogan’s actions while in Ireland.
The former European Trade Commissioner stepped down one week after he was among the 81 people who attended the controversial Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden.
He’s said his resignation was his own decision, after the row had become a “distraction” from his work.
Ursula von der Leyen thanked Phil Hogan for his work but said Commissioners have to obey the rules.
The Government now has to nominate a man and a woman to replace him, with Simon Coveney, Mairead McGuinness and former commission official David O’Sullivan just some of the names being tipped.
But Former Ambassador to the EU, Bobby McDonagh, says there’s no guarantee his replacement will retain the coveted trade portfolio.
Phil Hogan is the latest political casualty from the event, which saw Dara Calleary resign as Minister and other Senators sanctioned by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.
However, today one Ireland South MEP said Phil Hogan has paid a higher price than everyone else.
Sean Kelly says Mr. Hogan had to go as the issue was the subject of close scrutiny across Europe, but says it’s now vital that a replacement for him is chosen as soon as possible.
