'It’s great to see that a Cork man has received such an elevation': Michael McGrath announced as EU’s next Commissioner for Justice
The former minister for finance, and Cork South Central TD, Michael McGrath has been announced as the EU’s next Commissioner for Justice. Photo: Gareth Chaney/PA Wire
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has welcomed the appointment of Michael McGrath as European Union’s next commissioner for justice and the rule of law.
The appointment was announced by European Commission president Ursula von der Lyon today.
The commissioner for justice is responsible for leading the EU’s efforts to tackle breaches of the rule of law by member states, and is also responsible for enforcing legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Commissioners are put forward by each EU country and Ireland had made no secret of its hope that Mr McGrath, who previously held both the ministry of finance and the ministry of public expenditure, would be given a prominent financial portfolio.
Mr McGrath stepped down as finance minister in June after the Cabinet agreed to nominate him as Ireland’s next EU commissioner.
Speaking to this morning, Mr Martin offered his best wishes to his Cork South Central constituency colleague.
“I have no doubt Michael will serve on the EU Commission with great energy and diligence in this significant role, protecting the rights of consumers, the rule of law and tackling corruption.
“It was important that the Irish Government nominated a commissioner of the highest calibre, and Michael will no doubt bring all of his experience in Government here to his new job in Europe,” Mr Martin said.
Mr McGrath was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2007, having previously served as a member of Passage West Town Council from 1999 to 2007, and a member of Cork County Council for the Carrigaline local electoral area from 2004 to 2007.
Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard served on Cork County Council with Mr McGrath, and he said he was very happy for his former colleague.
Former lord mayor of Cork Deirdre Forde also served with Mr McGrath in the county council, having known him since his time in UCC, and she said she had always thought highly of him.
“The justice portfolio is exceptionally important given the state of affairs in Europe at the moment, and I know he will serve it with distinction,” the former Fine Gael councillor said.
“It’s great to see that a Cork man has received such an elevation.”
Another former council colleague is Ballincollig’s Derry Canty, who said he was delighted for Mr McGrath.
“I wish him well, working with him in Cork County Council we were both friends, we came in at the same time, and we always worked together with no animosity, whether he was Fianna Fáil and I was Fine Gael, or Independent at the time,” Mr Canty said.
Michael McGrath will lead the EU’s work on anti-corruption, Ursula von der Leyen has said.
She said: “I have entrusted him with the responsibility to take forward the European Democracy Shield.
“He will also lead our work on the rule of law, anti-corruption and consumer protection.”
Commissioner-designate McGrath said: "I am honoured to be proposed for the Justice Portfolio by President von der Leyen and I look forward to engaging with the European Parliament ahead of the hearings for the new Commission in the weeks ahead.
"The portfolio is a vitally important one for Europe: protecting our democratic values, rule of law and the rights of our citizens is fundamental to the future development of the EU and of the single market.
"In addition to the core Justice elements of my portfolio, I am very pleased to be given responsibility for the protection of consumer rights across the EU. I welcome this opportunity to apply my skills to new areas of responsibility and I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Government and by President von der Leyen."
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