THE FINE Gael and Labour leaders have written to Taoiseach Brian Cowen separately suggesting nominees for the next Irish EU commissioner.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has proposed John Bruton, the European Union ambassador to the US and former party leader.
Labour did not reveal the identity of the person it proposed, although there was speculation in political circles that it was Ruairí Quinn.
Mr Kenny and Mr Gilmore said they were responding to Mr Cowen’s statement in the Dáil that he would consider their suggestions if they forwarded names of prospective candidates. However, Mr Cowen insisted it was the Government’s prerogative.
At the forefront of speculation remain former minister for justice Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, whose second term as a member of the European Court of Auditors is coming to an end, and former president of the European Parliament Pat Cox, who played a leading role in the successful Yes campaign in the Lisbon referendum.
In his letter to Mr Cowen, Mr Kenny said Mr Bruton would be an “exceptional nominee” to the commission. He said it was essential Ireland nominated a person “of real stature and credibility” to secure a senior portfolio.
“Along with his vast experience as a parliamentarian, minister, taoiseach and president of the European Council, Mr Bruton has excelled as European Union ambassador to the United States over the past five years,” Mr Kenny said.
“In addition, his association with the European People’s Party provides him with a very strong network throughout Europe.” Mr Kenny said that, in proposing Mr Bruton, he was conscious that each member state would continue to nominate a member of the commission.
“Consequently, it is essential that Ireland nominate a person of real stature and credibility whose appointment will secure a senior portfolio in the new commission.”
A spokesman for the Labour Party said Mr Gilmore had also written to the Taoiseach suggesting a potential commissioner.
“I can confirm that Eamon Gilmore, in response to the Taoiseach’s invitation to Opposition leaders to make suggestions, has written to the Taoiseach suggesting the name of somebody who we believe to be worthy of consideration for nomination,” he said. The spokesman would not reveal the identity of the person. “The Spanish Inquisition wouldn’t get the name out of me,” he added.
When asked to comment on speculation that he was Labour’s suggested candidate, Mr Quinn said: “I’m not in a position to tell you. That’s the authorised position that’s gone out.”
A spokeswoman for Ms Geoghegan-Quinn declined to comment when asked if she considered herself to be a candidate. Stating that the rules of the court prevented Ms Geoghegan-Quinn from commenting on political matters, the spokeswoman would not say whether she was interested in the post or would accept it if offered.
Ms Geoghegan-Quinn’s second six-year mandate on the court runs until March 2012. At a function on Thursday during the State visit of President Mary McAleese to Luxembourg, Ms Geoghegan Quinn had little to say on the matter. “This is pure speculation to me too,” she said then.
A spokeswoman for Mr Cox said the position had not changed since mid-week, when she said: “He has not been approached. He has no presumption. It does not mean that he would rule it out.”
Meanwhile, Mr Cowen was asked if any delay in nominating a European commissioner could cost Ireland an important portfolio.
“That’s not necessarily a correct assumption. I’ve been in touch with the president of the commission, this matter is receiving consideration and the commission can’t be appointed until a high representative is appointed by the European council and it looks, as things stand that that decision won’t be taken at the October meeting either so we still have time to consider and see how it evolves and see what emerges in terms of the new commission, but as I said, it’s under consideration.”