McGuinness: ‘No expectation’ of another commissioner term

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness has said she will not retire if she does not secure another term as an EU Commissioner.

It comes amid speculation that a Fianna Fáil candidate will be proposed for the role, as Tánaiste Micheál Martin will make the nomination.

Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week, Ms McGuinness said: “There is a little bit of life left in me.

“I don’t have any expectation that I will get the nomination to be Ireland’s next commissioner.

“I would be honoured if I did.”

Ms McGuinness said she had spoken with Taoiseach Simon Harris about the nomination.

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“The best way to lobby is to do your job well, and I believe that in my role as financial services commissioner, I have done my job well,” she said.

The former Fine Gael MEP noted that Mr Martin originally nominated her for the post in 2020, adding that she had a very good working relationship with all party leaders.

Each member state is given one commissioner role, and Ms McGuinness said it is important that Ireland, who has been part of the EU for 50 years, is strong around the table.

She will serve as EU Commissioner until October and said her experience of “20 years at EU level” is reflected in her portfolio.

“I’m willing to serve, but I have neither any expectation of it or entitlement to it,” she said.

“I will fully respect the Government’s decision,” she added.

Concern for Gaza

Ms McGuiness said the lack of support from Irish MEPS regarding the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission stems from concern over Gaza.

“I can understand why Irish people are deeply concerned about that, but she should also be judged by her record in the round,” she said.

However, the EU Commissioner said that she does “not doubt” Ms Von der Leyen’s credentials on this matter.

Ms McGuinness said the Ms Von der Leyen has done “incredible work” in her role as President of the European Commission and noted that the German politician had support from Ireland until the war in Gaza broke out.