Mairead McGuinness' experience in the EU will be 'crucial' to new role

New EU commissioner designate Mairead McGuinness Photograph: RollingNews.ie

The Taoiseach has congratulated Mairead McGuinness on her appointment as the new European Commissioner.

Ms McGuinness will take up the financial services portfolio after the resignation of Phil Hogan as trade commissioner. 

Congratulating, Ms McGuinness, Micheál Martin said it is a great day for her and her family.

"I’ve no doubt whatsoever that she will serve with distinction and will play a key role in the work of the Commission," Mr Martin said in a tweet.

EU Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen said Ms McGuinness has "significant political experience" on EU issues, having been an MEP since 2004.

"This experience is crucial in carrying forward the EU's financial sector policy agenda and ensuring it supports and strengthens the Commission's key priorities, notably the twin green and digital transition."

Ms McGuinness and former vice-president of the European Investment Bank Andrew McDowell had been nominated by the Irish Government.

Making the announcement in Brussels, Ms Von Der Leyen said: "Both candidates showed great commitment to the European Union and to the job of Commissioner – excellent candidates. They also both clearly have significant experience of EU matters, of course from different perspectives.

"Following these interviews, I have decided to propose to the Council and the European Parliament the appointment of Ms McGuinness to the post of Commissioner. She will be in charge of financial services, financial stability and the Capital Markets Union. Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis will assume responsibility for the trade portfolio, and he will remain the Commission's representative on the Eurogroup, alongside Commissioner Gentiloni."

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the current turmoil around the Brexit negotiations is proof, if it were needed, of the vital strategic importance of having an Irish nominee at the Commission table,” he said.

“Mairead McGuinness will bring a strong and credible voice on agriculture to the discussions, which will be crucial in defending our position as the talks head towards a conclusion,” he said.

Medicines for Ireland welcomed the appointment, claiming it is a very welcome development for the hugely important Irish medicines and pharmaceutical sector.

David Delaney, Chairperson of Medicines for Ireland said: "In her previous role as the First Vice-President of the European Parliament she has shown skill and determination in helping to ensure that the interests of Ireland have been protected at EU level."