'I have cleared a difficult hurdle': Preparation was key to McGrath’s success in European commissioner hearing

Former finance minister and Cork TD Michael McGrath has said that preparation for his lengthy hearing for the position of European commissioner for democracy, justice and rule of law at the European Parliament “proved very valuable”.

A committee of MEPs in the European Parliament voted to confirm Mr McGrath’s appointment to the role at the European Parliament on Tuesday following a three-hour hearing during which he was questioned by three committees.

Mr McGrath required a two-thirds majority of a voting committee of MEPs to be approved as commissioner.

Speaking to The Echo from Brussels on Tuesday, Mr McGrath said he was “delighted” to have received the support of MEPs following what he described as a “lengthy and comprehensive hearing.”

Mr McGrath credited his preparation and direct meetings with MEPs for his successful hearing.

“As I expected, their questions were well-researched and detailed. I have been preparing for this hearing since the portfolios were confirmed in mid-September and this work, along with the direct meetings I had with MEPs, proved very valuable at the hearing,” he said.

“The breadth of the portfolio was very evident in the range of questions put to me at the hearing. Hopefully, the remaining hearings will go well and the new commission can get down to work at the beginning of December.”

Mr McGrath said he is now anxious to get stuck into what he said is an exciting and impactful portfolio.

“I have cleared a difficult and important hurdle and am anxious now to get stuck into what is an exciting and impactful portfolio and to making a difference for all the people of the EU,” he said.

The commissioner for justice portfolio includes responsibility for the protection of data, consumer rights, ensuring free and fair elections, media freedom, and tackling corruption and misinformation.

Mr McGrath is one of more than 20 nominated commissioners to face three-hour-long questioning on their portfolios this week, after which representatives of various committees assess whether a candidate is qualified.

Based on the committee recommendations, the conference of presidents is set to conduct the final evaluation and declare the hearings closed on November 21 and the election of the full college of commissioners is scheduled to take place between November 25 and 28.