Public Expenditure Minister backs Gilmore for EU Commissioners job

The Public Expenditure Minister has signalled that Eamon Gilmore is his choice to be Ireland’s new EU Commissioner.

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.