Phil Hogan looks sets to get nod for EU agriculture commissioner post
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker will announce his nominated team and portfolios in Brussels next week.
He has wrapped up a series of meetings with member state candidatesfor the new Commission including Phil Hogan, who had a 40-minute discussion with him.
A leaked report in Brussels on the composition of the new team listed Mr Hogan as the nominee for the agriculture and rural development portfolio.
Agriculture and rural development is a key portfolio as it controls 38% of the EU budget. The only Irish person to hold the office was Ray MacSharry.
A number of Irish members of the European Parliament have already indicated their opposition to his appointment because of controversies when he was Environment Minister.
However, Minister for State Tom Hayes, speaking at the FBD Young Farmer of the Tear Awards in Bantry, Co Cork, earlier this week, said Ireland needs clear voices 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.
“It is showing a lot of disloyalty on the European stage. That has got to change and we have got to be more loyal and stick together as a country and indeed as a people,” he said
Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has backed Mr Hogan to get the agriculture and rural development portfolio and said it would be a good appointment for Northern Ireland’s farmers.
“I believe that the appointment of Mr Hogan would be a positive development for local farmers as new ideas and fresh thinking are needed to address future challenges.
“I look forward to meeting with Mr Hogan next week to discuss his priorities for agriculture over the next five years,” he said.
