Irish woman appointed to top EC role

DUBLINER Catherine Day has been appointed to the top job in the European Commission, replacing fellow Irish national David O’Sullivan.

Mr O’Sullivan is moving to head up the Trade Directorate, where Commissioner Peter Mandelson made a name for himself in the WTO talks.

The moves are among 17 key posts announced by Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso yesterday, considerably firming up his control of the key EU body.

It is also viewed as a victory for the British as the appointees support the Anglo-Saxon liberal economic model.

Ms Day joined the Commission in 1979 and, like Mr O’Sullivan, served in the cabinet of Peter Sutherland. She was External Relations director before taking over Environment three years ago. She is one of five women among the 35 Directors General and one of three Irish DGs, with Mr O’Sullivan and Thomas Cranfield heading the publications office.

Ms Day and Mr O’Sullivan were congratulated by the Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy. “This is a testimony to the calibre of these people,” said the former Finance Minister.

The Irish are considered over represented at this highest level having just one less Director General than Britain.

Asked about Ireland’s three DG’s, vice president Siim Kallas said it was based on merit. However behind the scenes there has been fierce lobbying by commissioners and member states.