An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has welcomed the selection of Mairead McGuinness as European Commissioner designate. He has also welcomed the proposed assignment of responsibility for financial services to her.

The Taoiseach spoke to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this morning, ahead of the announcement.

Commenting afterwards, he said: “The Government put forward two candidates of the highest calibre for consideration to be the next European Commissioner from Ireland.

“Mairead McGuinness has represented Ireland in the European Parliament with distinction for 16 years, and I am confident that she will now be an excellent commissioner, working for the whole of the European Union. I congratulate her wholeheartedly on her selection.

Significant

“The financial services portfolio is a hugely significant one, and I am very pleased that this post has been secured for the commissioner designate.

“I would also like to thank Andrew McDowell for putting his name forward for consideration, and wish him the very best for the future.”