Mairead McGuinness confirmed as Ireland’s new EU Commissioner

Updated 11 minutes ago

FINE GAEL MEP Mairead McGuinness was confirmed today as the new EU Commissioner for Ireland.

The European Parliament confirmed this afternoon that McGuinness had been approved with 583 votes in favor of his appointment and only 75 against.

The outgoing EU Vice President will be in charge of the financial services and financial stability portfolio.

McGuinness will replace Phil Hogan, who resigned as EU Trade Commissioner in August in the wake of the Golfgate scandal.

Speaking to EuroParlRadio this morning, Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan said that a majority of Green MEPs will vote for McGuinness.

“I think it’s a good thing for Ireland. It is good to have a woman who has a lot of experience in the European Parliament so that she knows how institutes work here in Europe, ”said O’Sullivan.

The Irish government proposed McGuinness and Andrew McDowell, former vice president of the European Investment Bank, as its two candidates to succeed Hogan.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen chose McGuinness for the job last month after interviewing both candidates.

Tax

McGuinness was questioned by her fellow MEPs at a hearing last week.

During the three-hour hearing, McGuinness was repeatedly asked about his stance on taxes. This is the most tense part of Ireland’s relationship with the EU; It’s a ‘sweet’ low tax rate for multinational corporations.

Her response was that she would remove the “national hat at the door” and act on behalf of the European Commission if she is approved for the position.

McGuinness said he understands that taxes are a “big problem” for EU citizens and “must be fair and efficient”.

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said last week that McGuinness’ likely appointment as Commissioner for Financial Services will not restrict the activities of for-profit banks, vulture funds and insurance companies.

“The status quo will be maintained, which is a severe blow to many Irish families and businesses that need more help in these extraordinary times,” MacManus said.

McGuinness has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2004 for the Midlands-North West constituency and has been Vice-Speaker of Parliament since 2014.