Former Munster MEP is favourite for EU commissioner job (July 7th, 2009)
July 7, 2009 at 2:23 pm Leave a comment
As pressure mounts on the Taoiseach to choose the next Irish Commissioner, focus is increasingly turning towards former Munster MEP Pat Cox as the most likely candidate for the job. Charlie McCreevy’s term as current EU Commissioner finishes in the autumn, and the government is keen to send a more diplomatic, more committed successor to Brussels than the controversial Kildare man. Pat Cox’s experience and profile in Europe fit the bill nicely. A former president of the European Parliament, he has recently stepped aside from his role as president of the European Movement International to head up a campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming Lisbon referendum. The 57 year old Cork native was also a former president of the liberal ELDR group within the parliament, and so could help to ease Fianna Fáil’s recent transition this group. A well-regarded and passionate Europhile, Mr Cox would be almost guaranteed a senior post in the commission.
However, another contender who could yet steal the plum job from Mr Cox is former Taoiseach John Bruton. His success as EU ambassador to Washington would also lend itself to securing a heavyweight position in the new commission. It’s a two-horse race, as Taoiseach Brian Cowen is unlikely to appoint one of his own cabinet for fear of losing a by-election.
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