Sinn Féin MEP call on Kenny to drop Hogan's nomination to EU post

A Sinn Féin MEP is calling on the Taoiseach to withdraw the nomination of Phil Hogan as Ireland's next European Commissioner.

Matt Carthy says Enda Kenny should instead put forward a candidate who will win confidence of MEPs and citizens from Ireland and across Europe.

Mr Carthy says recent controversies have added to an already poor record and it is his view that Mr Hogan’s nomination is fast becoming untenable.

"Yesterday I attended the National Ploughing Championship and the big point of discussion I had was regarding Phil Hogan’s nomination to the commission," he said.

"While some of those I met did urge support for the Taoiseach’s nominee the vast majority of those I spoke to, who were by in large farmers who will be affected by the decisions made by the commission in the next number of years, agreed with my position that Ireland has secured the right post within the commission but has nominated the wrong person for the job."

He said he would be forced to question the competence of the Government's nomination at the European Parliament, but said as Irish representative, "it will give me no pleasure".