Ireland likely to set sights on economic portfolio in European Commission

Taoiseach Simon Harris told reporters that 'there are a number of portfolios that Ireland has an active interest in and can play an important role in'

Taoiseach Simon Harris says that 'it is important that we put forward people of high calibre' for the role of Irish Commissioner at the European Commission.

Ireland will start lobbying for a senior European Commission portfolio, likely an economic one, as soon as the new president of the commission is elected.

EU leaders look set to nominate Ursula von der Leyen for another term as they gathered for the first time since the European elections.