Mairead McGuinness named as Ireland's European Commissioner

MEP Mairead McGuinness has been named as Ireland's new European Commissioner, replacing recently resigned Phil Hogan.

Ms. McGuinness has been assigned the financial services portfolio.

The Commissioner-designate said she is honoured to have been selected by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Speaking from Brussels, Ms. McGuinness said: “I want to thank President von der Leyen for the trust she is placing in me.

“The focus now is on the next steps in the European Parliament and Council.

“The financial services portfolio cuts across all policy areas. It is fundamental to European citizens, businesses, SMEs, and how the EU recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic. The EU Green Deal will require sustainable finance to drive actions across all sectors of the economy.”

As an MEP for 16 years, she said she has seen at first-hand how the EU is a positive force for change.

“I have worked to strengthen cooperation between the EU institutions and to bring them closer to people.

“I will now focus on preparing for the European Parliament hearing and will not be making any further comment.”