Varadkar plays down speculation his name is in the hat for top EU job

Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has dismissed speculation that his name could be put forward to become the next president of the European Council after the surprise resignation of Charles Michel.

The former Belgian prime minister announced on Tuesday that he would stand as a candidate in the European Parliament elections in June after four years in the key EU job.

He will step down as chair of the 27 heads of EU governments in July, prompting speculation on who will replace him.

Among the names who could take the job are Mr Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, according to The Irish Times.

“I was flattered to read that article, but it’s not the case,” Mr Varadkar said in response on Tuesday.

“My anticipation is that [European Commission] president [Ursula] von der Leyen will be reappointed to the position as president of the Commission.

“That’s by no means guaranteed, but if she goes again, I would certainly anticipate that she’d be reappointed and, certainly in my case, that would mean that the EPP (European People’s Party) position, if you like, is gone.”

If the Commission president position was held by the EPP, the president of the European Council would have to come from a different political grouping.

“I don’t think I’d be even on the shortlist, even if I wanted to be,” Mr Varadkar added.

Speaking about the Tánaiste’s prospects, Mr Varadkar said: “As far as I know, it’s his intention to run for election and continue to lead his party, and hopefully form another government with Fine Gael, but I think Micheál can speak for himself.”

Before Christmas, Mr Martin said he was “very focused” on his job as Minister for Foreign Affairs and leader of Fianna Fáil ahead of local and European elections in 2024.

He said his aim was to “keep your feet on the ground” despite speculation of a job in Europe.

It comes after Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe’s name was linked to a possible role at the International Monetary Fund, as its managing director Kristalina Georgieva’s tenure draws to an end this year.

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath’s name is also in the mix as Ireland’s next EU commissioner nominee.