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AT A time when a fresh departure was required to rescue the battered reputation of Irish politics, it is disappointing that Taoiseach Brian Cowen should revert to type by nominating a Fianna Fáil insider as Ireland's new commissioner in Brussels. On the basis of her ministerial record in government and her 10-year membership of the European Court of Auditors, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn can be expected to perform competently in her new role. But more was expected of this appointment. It should have marked the transition to a more open and creative system of administration.

The importance of the position, in terms of public perception, was emphasised when the loss of an Irish commissioner was identified as a cogent reason for the rejection of the first Lisbon referendum. Correction of that situation through negotiations at the highest level in Brussels represented a considerable success. By now treating the appointment as a party-political gift, Mr Cowen has sent the wrong signal to Europe and to the Irish electorate.