Irish Examiner View: Ireland deserves trade portfolio

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen should  allow Ireland to retain the trade commissioner role vacated by Phil Hogan. Picture: Kenzo Tribouillard/Getty Images

As the Government complies with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s request to nominate a woman and a man to replace Phil Hogan, it would be appropriate for her to show the fairness she has promised by allowing Ireland to retain the role of commissioner for trade.

Ms von der Leyen has publicly promised to be "fair" in her deliberations. Fairness must include acknowledging the huge sacrifice the Irish people, and our Government, have made to protect Covid-19 guidelines at the expense of losing a powerful voice in Brussels.