Former finance minister unveiled as next EU Justice Commissioner

Ireland’s former minister for finance Michael McGrath has been announced as the EU’s next Commissioner for Justice.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he had no doubt Mr McGrath would serve on the commission with “great energy and diligence”.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen revealed the portfolios for the new team of commissioners in Strasbourg on Tuesday morning.

The appointment of the new commissioners still has to be ratified by the European Parliament.

Mr McGrath was awarded the Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law portfolio.

The Commissioner for Justice is responsible for leading the EU’s efforts to tackle breaches of the rule of law by member states.

The commissioner is also responsible for enforcing legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Ms von der Leyen said: “I have entrusted him with the responsibility to take forward the European Democracy Shield.

“He will also lead our work on the rule of law, anti-corruption and consumer protection.”

She added: “Michael McGrath has an excellent track record, and he has experience in a leading ministry.

“So, working his way through political questions, the commissioners are not technical experts. They are political leaders.”

Mr McGrath had been given a “strong and influential appointment”, the Taoiseach has said.

In a statement, Simon Harris said: “I have worked closely with President Ursula Von der Leyen in recent weeks and today’s announcement is a vote of confidence in Ireland’s candidate.

“Anti-corruption and consumer protection will be amongst his many powers and duties, as well as the wide-ranging justice portfolio.

“I have worked with Michael at Cabinet and he has the skill set and the work ethic to make a massive impact in this brief.”

Meanwhile, Mr Martin congratulated Mr McGrath on his appointment.

He said: “I have no doubt Michael will serve on the EU Commission with great energy and diligence in this significant role, protecting the rights of consumers, the rule of law and tackling corruption.

“It was important that the Irish Government nominated a commissioner of the highest calibre, and Michael will no doubt bring all of his experience in government here to his new job in Europe.”

Mr McGrath stepped down as finance minister several weeks ago to become Ireland’s EU commissioner nominee.

The nomination to become Ireland’s next EU commissioner was the choice of the Fianna Fail party under the terms of an agreement between the three parties forming Ireland’s coalition Government.

Fianna Fail MEP for Dublin, Barry Andrews, said the role would call on Mr McGrath’s “significant political skills”.

He added: “Enforcement of the EU treaties is not just a matter for Hungary but for all member states and commissioner-designate McGrath will hopefully take a leading role over the course of this mandate.

“His financial acumen will not be wasted as he will be able to contribute to policy discussions on the new multi-annual financial framework (2027-2034) which are likely to kick off during next summer.”