Howlin Signals Backing For Gilmore As Next Eu Commissioner

Howlin signals backing for gilmore as next eu commissioner

The Public Expenditure Minister has signalled that Eamon Gilmore is his choice to be the new EU Commissioner for Ireland. Fine Gael are understood to want Environment Minister Phil Hogan to take-up the position. However, Labour have been pushing the Tánaiste's case in recent weeks. Brendan Howlin says Mr. Gilmore is one of a number of "outstanding candidates" for the position and emphasised his record as Minister for Foreign Affairs. He says the Tánaiste would be a very capable Commissioner. "There's a number of outstanding candidates - Eamon Gilmore being one of them" he said. "Somebody who would have contacts across the European Union and who also has held the post of Foreign Minister, so he would know every senior player in Europe, would obviously be a candidate that is worth considering". When asked if he would be the best man for the job, Minister Howlin replied "If you look objectively at it, I'll let you draw your own conclusions".