Creighton says next EU Commissioner should not come from the Cabinet

Former Fine Gael minister of state for European affairs Lucinda Creighton has said Ireland's next EU commissioner should not be a Cabinet Minister.

The post becomes vacant in the autumn when current commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn's term comes to an end. The favourite to replace her is Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, although the name of outgoing Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has also been mentioned.

Ms Creighton, now with Reform Alliance, said Ms Geoghegan-Quinn’s replacement should come from outside “the old political circles’’.

“I do not believe it should be a member of the Cabinet or that there should be horse trading between the two parties in government to arrive at a sweetener, a prize or essentially an exit route for somebody from the current Cabinet. It would make sense and possibly bring this Government some way to the promised democratic revolution that quite clearly has not occurred.’’

Commissioner’s role

Ms Creighton, who was speaking during a series of statements on a

European Council

meeting today and tomorrow, said the commissioner’s role could not be overstated.

"It is a hugely important role where the future of the European agenda and the growth and job-creation agenda will be shaped, and where Ireland can have a powerful voice. It should not be a retirement home for failed or unpopular politicians, or used to make room for new blood in Cabinet.''

Independent TD Shane Ross said an "unseemly squabble'' was under way in the public arena about whether the commissionership went to Fine Gael or Labour.