Labour pushes for Gilmore EU role

Labour is continuing to push for Ireland’s EU commissioner’s position to be given to its outgoing leader, Eamon Gilmore, ahead of expected talks on the Cabinet reshuffle in the coming week.

Joe Costello, the junior foreign affairs minister, yesterday said Mr Gilmore had the best qualifications for the position. Mr Costello said discussions would begin this week on who Ireland would nominate for its place on the European Commission after member states nominated Jean Claude Juncker as its new president last week.

The Labour minister said that Mr Gilmore had the best experience for the post after chairing many meetings during Ireland’s hosting of the EU presidency and because of his role as foreign affairs minister.