McGrath lauded for 'shrewd stewardship' of economy following EU commissioner nomination 

JACK CHAMBERS is to be promoted to finance minister following confirmation of Michael McGrath as Ireland’s nominee to become EU commissioner.

Taoiseach Simon Harris described Mr McGrath as “a dedicated public servant, a skilled minister, and an extremely diligent and hard worker”.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin praised Mr McGrath for his “shrewd stewardship” of the economy in his time as both finance minister and minister for public expenditure.

Mr McGrath has said he would continue his public service “on a different stage”, and said he was leaving the Department of Finance at a time when the Irish economy was in good health.

Ballincollig Fianna Fáil councillor and former lord mayor Colm Kelleher said he wished Mr McGrath the very best in Europe.

“He is an able, competent, and honourable statesman, and I think he will be a loss to the domestic political scene, but I feel that he can probably serve Ireland’s interests best in Europe and I wish him the very best.

“Minister Chambers has big shoes to fill in the Department of Finance, but having known Jack on a professional level, I know that he’ll be well suited and well able.”

The newly elected Mayor of Co Cork, Skibbereen Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll, said he had started in the county council the same day as Mr McGrath, adding that they had been great friends ever since.

“I’m very proud of the progress he has made, and very proud that he is so well regarded at the highest levels in Europe, but from a home point of view I’m disappointed that he’s leaving the Government, because he’s a great minister,” Mr Carroll said.

Carrigaline Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath, recently re-elected with the highest number of first preferences in the country, said he was delighted for his brother.

“He’s worked very hard to get where he is, he combines incredible hard work with ability, and I think that has made him successful as a TD, as a minister, and as a councillor before that,” he said.

With his brother’s departure leaving a Dáil vacancy, Seamus McGrath said he would be “truly honoured if the party does look to me to fill that position”.