Creighton: Direct elections the best way forward in Europe

Former European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton has strongly criticised the British prime minister for his "anti-Juncker histrionics" and called for future European Commission presidents to be directly elected.

Ms Creighton also said that former taoiseach John Bruton would be the best candidate as Ireland’s next EU commissioner, as opposed to a current Cabinet minister.

Her comments came as speculation continues over who the Government will nominate as its choice for the 28-member commission.

Ms Creighton told RTÉ: “I think we should be batting for one that is of strategic importance to Ireland over the next five to 10 years. The trade commissioner would be ideal for Ireland

“If I had the opportunity to send forward anybody to try to get the trade commissionership I would personally go for the former EU ambassador to the United States [and former taoiseach], John Bruton.”

However, she said she did not know if Mr Bruton was interested. The former Fine Gael taoiseach could not be contacted.

It has been suggested that the Government may nominate Environment Minister Phil Hogan as Ireland’s next EU commissioner. In recent weeks, some Labour figures have suggested that outgoing Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore could suit the role.

It is expected that Ireland will nominate its commissioner sooner rather than later, as other member states put forth their choices. This is despite the fact that Máire Geoghegan Quinn, Ireland’s representative who is currently commissioner for research, innovation and science, does not step down until later this year.

Ms Creighton also lambasted David Cameron for opposing the election of Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European commission.

“I have been dismayed at the nasty and personal attacks which have been levelled at Juncker in recent days — mainly by ‘aides’ in No 10 Downing Street and some cynical members of the media,” she said in her blog.

She said Mr Cameron’s “isolationist policy” had won him no friends in Brussels. His anti-Juncker histrionics of the past month cannot be undone and would leave him “an embarrassing, bloody nose”.

Ms Creighton also suggested that future Commission presidents should be directly elected by all the union.

“The citizens of Europe are never going to become familiar with candidates that do not appear on a ballot paper and for whom they will never be able to directly vote.

“Having a direct Presidential style election however, could and would empower citizens of Europe.”