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Geoghegan-Quinn takes position as Ireland’s new Commissioner (9th February, 2010)

February 9, 2010 at 5:55 pm Leave a comment

As she formally begins her five-year stint as EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science this week, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said this week she was ‘very excited’ about her new job.
‘I want to make sure we make full use of Europe’s research excellence, talent and entrepreneurial spirit…those qualities will be decisive in creating the green, hi-tech economy of the future,’ said the former Justice Minister, who is expected to play a crucial role in the new 27-member commission.
She will head up a €53 billion portfolio aimed at turning research and science into jobs and prosperity. This process will be key to the EU’s economic strategy for 2020 launched by Commission President José Manuel Barroso last autumn. ‘Mr Barroso is absolutely committed to all of us working together to put together a policy that member states can respond to in a practical, positive way,’ said Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn, or MCG as she’s increasingly known in the media.
The 59 year old Galwegian will have to work closely with her colleagues, as her research portfolio overlaps several policy areas including climate change, industry, transport and health.
She’s already received a ringing endorsement at a confirmation hearing before the European Parliament, where MEPs described her as ‘independent…displaying integrity with excellent communications skills’.
Labour MEP Alan Kelly has urged the new Commissioner to make the most of what he said was a ‘terrific opportunity’ to direct EU policy on innovation.

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