Taoiseach Enda Kenny has set his sights on a powerful economic portfolio for Ireland’s next EU commissioner. European leaders will today give command of the EU executive to Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg, clearing the way for haggling over commission posts.
Portfolios in the frame for Ireland include competition, energy, environment, climate action and agriculture.
The Government believes it is well-positioned to secure a good post in light of Ireland’s successful EU presidency last year and Mr Kenny’s high standing in the wake of the bailout.
The Taoiseach has not yet settled the nomination of the new Irish commissioner. However, he spoke by phone last Saturday with Mr Juncker and they will discuss portfolios once his appointment is ratified.
“I said that on his election as president of the commission we would talk about commissionerships,” Mr Kenny told reporters.
“Clearly there are a number that would be of interest to Ireland and I’ll speak to the president when he’s elected on that basis.”
Ypres gathering
The Taoiseach and his EU counterparts gathered yesterday in the Belgian town of Ypres for solemn ceremonies to mark the start of the first World War 100 years ago.
The build-up to their talks today in Brussels has been dominated by an ineffective campaign by British premier David Cameron to block Mr Juncker.
Mr Cameron will force a symbolic vote on the matter, breaking the tradition of appointments to top EU posts by consensus, but he has little prospect of success.
A further summit will be held in mid-July to fill other high-level vacancies.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan remains the favourite for the Irish commissionership, although there is some concern in Fine Gael circles that his departure to Brussels would leave too big a gap in the Taoiseach’s inner circle.
Fine Gael is strongly resisting Labour demands for the job to go to Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore. However, Mr Gilmore’s supporters argue he would be more likely to secure a better portfolio.
After pre-summit talks with centre-right leaders in Flanders, Mr Kenny declined to comment on Mr Gilmore’s claim for the post.
The Taoiseach supports moves to allow more investment in big capital projects, but he was adamant that the Government will maintain its deficit target in the October budget.
The Tánaiste was elsewhere in Flanders meeting socialist leaders, who are pushing strongly for greater flexibility in the application of stringent budget rules.
The socialist camp declared last night its support for Mr Juncker was conditional on his policy programme.
This is seen as a demand for a clear plan to help member states stimulate job creation and economic growth.
EU leaders will pledge in a summit communiqué to examine the “possibilities offered by the EU’s existing fiscal framework to balance fiscal discipline with the need to support growth”.
Merkel’s stance
However, German chancellor Angela Merkel and her allies are reluctant to dilute budget guidelines.
No “sweeteners” are officially on the table for Mr Cameron, but Dr Merkel offered the prospect of concessions to him by suggesting a “compromise” might be possible as he seeks to renegotiate Britain’s relationship with the EU.