Ahern praises McCreevy's EU job coup

THE Government yesterday lauded Charlie McCreevy's appointment as EU Commissioner for the Internal Market as a massive coup for the country.

Mr McCreevy was allocated one of the so-called 'big five money jobs' by incoming Commission President José Manuel Durao Barroso when he announced his new 25-strong commission.

The other four major economic portfolios were awarded to Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Britain's Peter Mandelson, who becomes Trade Commissioner.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had made a strong case to Mr Barroso that Ireland should be awarded a key economic portfolio on the basis of its successful presidency, the country's economic performance and Mr McCreevy's experience.

The portfolio most widely anticipated for Mr McCreevy in Government circles was the crucial one of Competition. However, when it emerged yesterday afternoon that he had been appointed to Internal Market, both Government and the main opposition parties were united in welcoming the allotment of a "substantial portfolio" to Ireland.

Mr Ahern said it was a challenging and important post at a historic point in the union's development.

"Charlie brings an extensive range of ministerial experience and personal ability to this job," Mr Ahern said. "He has both the political experience and the technical expertise to make a success of the Internal Market."

Mr McCreevy, who is on holidays, issued a short statement saying he was particularly pleased with his new role.

"It is a very significant portfolio in the enlarged Europe," he said.