‘Gilmore for Taoiseach’ to be switched for ‘Gilmore for European Commissioner’?

Remember the old slogan, “Gilmore for Taoiseach”?

That one didn’t catch on. But what about an updated version, “Gilmore for European Commissioner”?

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has been strolling around Leinster House with the relaxed air of a man who will be packing his bags for Europe in the not too distant future.

For some time now, the consensus has been that the prized European Commissioner's post has been ear-marked for the Taoiseach's close Fine Gael ally.

But a conversation with a Labour source this morning, combined with a quip from Mr Gilmore himself, has left me in no doubt that the current Minister for Foreign Affairs is also very keen on the post.

“Do I think he wants it? Yes. Do I think he’ll be good? Yes. Do I think he’ll get it? Haven’t a clue,” the source said.

The source said Mr Gilmore should get the nod if the primary motivation was getting a decent portfolio for an Irish commissioner.

“But you and I know that in Irish politics other things tend to come into it.”

We don’t know if Taoiseach Enda Kenny has made a commitment to Mr Hogan, but the Fine Gael leader may feel a sense of loyalty to the Kilkenny man who seems to want to move on from national politics.

While some policy measures have been more deftly handled than others, notably the household charge and Irish Water, Mr Hogan has had some achievements in his Department. The long-awaited reform of local government is one example.

However, Mr Kenny may prefer to have his lieutenant and organiser extraordinaire close to home as the next General Election draws closer.

It could be argued that Mr Kenny owes Mr Gilmore the post. The Labour leader made many political compromises to keep the Coalition together since 2011, and has paid a high political and personal price.

The argument that the contacts Mr Gilmore has made abroad in the last three years could help secure a more senior and influential European portfolio is persuasive.

The Tánaiste was up early addressing the French-Irish Chamber of Commerce in Dublin this morning.

He made it clear he had no regrets, as the French say, about taking the Foreign Affairs portfolio. He said he was motivated by a desire to restore Ireland’s tattered reputatiom abroad.

He didn’t say the move contributed to his loss of control of the party.

He is reportedly being approached by European counterparts telling him he would make a great Commissioner.

I asked him how he responded to such approaches.

Much to my surprise, he responded with a smile: “I think they’re right!”

It’s going to be an interesting few weeks for Mr Kenny, Mr Hogan and Mr Gilmore.