'Unfair' to Michael McGrath if Ireland was to nominate second EU commissioner, Taoiseach says
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It would be "unfair" to former finance minister Michael McGrath if Ireland were to nominate a second person for the position of European Commissioner, the Taoiseach has said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has written to the Government requesting both a man and a woman be put forward for the role following her re-election last week.
However, speaking in Paris on Friday, Simon Harris said it would be unfair to have asked Mr McGrath to step down from Cabinet if he "only had a 50/50 chance" of being appointed to the role.
Mr McGrath's resignation was not required but was justified on the grounds the budget will be prepared as the process of appointing commissioners is under way. Mr Harris said on Friday Mr McGrath had stood down to facilitate this.
"Michael McGrath was in Brussels this week. I spoke to Michael last weekend, and I know he's taking that process extremely seriously in terms of preparing and engaging.
"Yes, President von der Leyen has asked for two names. And she did the last time as well. And we've respectfully said to her that Ireland has made a decision in line with the treaties as is our right as to the commission candidate we wish to send forward.
"On other occasions in the past, we've sent one name and the name has been a woman. But we've had to make an assessment as to who we believe is the best commissioner to send from Ireland. That person had to step down from Cabinet. That's a pretty profound thing for him to have to do. And I think it would be an unfair thing for him to have to do and then tell him he has a 50/50 chance of getting a role at the end of it."
He said Fianna Fáil had the right under the coalition agreement to put forward a name and this meant there was "no question of two names", adding it would "seem odd" that Mr McGrath would stand down from Cabinet and not be the Irish nominee.
Mr Harris also said the issue of Casement Park was "top of the in-tray" for new Northern Secretary Hillary Benn.
He said the British government would offer clarity on whether the Belfast stadium would be ready for the Euro 2028 tournament in the coming weeks.