Michael McGrath appointment: The jury is out on how influential he can be

How serious is Ursula von der Leyen about stopping the democratic rot insofar as her powers allow?

Michael McGrath's position as Ireland’s candidate for Commissioner was well tipped in advance. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

The jury’s out regarding the influence and impact Commissioner-delegate Michael McGrath can have on his assigned portfolio of EU Commissioner for Justice, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

On the face of it, the EU Commissioner for Justice is an important, relevant file and requires a competent, steely candidate. McGrath will need to be prepared for frequent confrontation, and ready to enforce rule of law measures including infringement proceedings against an ever-growing number of illiberal, eurosceptic member states.