Simon Coveney remaining a Cork TD; wishes EU nominees well

Speculation had been mounting that the Cork South Central TD would be one of the two names put forward to Ursula von der Leyen, as he was seen as the most experienced person for the job.

However, Vice President of the European Parliament Mairead McGuinness; and Andrew McDowell, who was until recently Vice President of the European Investment Bank, were the two names put forward for the position.

The attendees were accused of disregarding coronavirus restrictions limiting the number of people able to gather indoors. The controversy resulted in a series of political casualties, with agriculture minister Dara Calleary also resigning.