Reports from Europe this morning say that Former Minister for Environment Phil Hogan will get the job as the next EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
Leaked documents being reported by Agra Europe of the new appointments for 2014-2019 say that Hogan is set to fill the shoes currently occupied by the Romanian Commissioner Dacian Cioloș.
While in recent weeks opposition has grown from MEPs outside of Fine Gael to his candidacy, there has been much speculation throughout that summer that Phil Hogan was set to be get either of the much sought-after agriculture or trade portfolios in the next European Commission.
The Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture Tom Hayes has called on a show of loyalty from those that represent Ireland in Europe as Phil Hogan looks in with a chance of getting the European Commissioner position for agriculture.
Speaking recently at the Young Farmer of the Year competition in Bantry Minister Hayes said: “I am very concerned at the attitudes of some that represent Ireland in Europe.
“We need to send a note of caution. People that we send to Europe need to represent Ireland in Europe and not be snapping at people that may have a very influential role to play particularly in agriculture.”
According to party colleague Mairead McGuinness MEP who was speaking in recent weeks on his candidacy said his record is “second to none” and the decision will be known next week what role he is likely to get. “We will know next week what portfolio he is likely to get, but it is probably agriculture or trade. These would be very significant portfolios for Ireland to get and we should work with him to ensure he gets one of them.”
The newly elected Vice-President of the European Parliament said: “He is very suited to this job and has the opportunity to get a very high profile and has all the credentials to do the job of Commissioner as a people’s representative. He has a good track record in environment and he’s European record is second to none.”