Fann Linn wrote: » Why? because the same Phil was thinking of heading off only two months ago anyway. He's no loss.
JustAThought wrote: » Why is he allowed resign and keep his 5k a month or more pension? Why is he not being fired in disgrace and save the taxpayer the cost of paying him not to work at our expense. Its a bit like paying prisoners in jail the dole for not working.
LordBasil wrote: » Regarding Phil Hogan's replacement as Ireland's EU Commissioner, my money would be on Leo Varadkar. Micheal Martin would love to get Varadkar out and end this unprecedented situation where we have a current and former Taoiseach serving in cabinet together, the now vacant Irish EU Commissioner role offers him a golden opportunity to do this. The commission portfolios were decided by Ursula Von de Leyen according to geography, political background and gender in order to maintain balance. Hogan's replacement should ideally be male, Fine Gael/EPP. Varadkar being gay and half-Indian would also add more diversity to the commission. Also Varadkar's background with Brexit negotiations would increase chances of Ireland retaining the much coveted Trade portfolio. Varadkar has also previously said that he doesn't see himself involved in Irish politics by his 50s, the EU commission role could be an ideal escape....
An Ri rua wrote: » Phil would make a great Minister for Agriculture. Knows a good deal about it apparently.
LawBoy2018 wrote: » No he wasn't? FG policies + a series of monumental fcuk ups were the downfall of FG in the last election. His popularity has grown quite a bit since then. Paschal has said that he doesn't want to be Taoiseach but Simon definitely does.
titan18 wrote: » We're a nation of idiots imo.
jm08 wrote: » Id say Leo sights are higher than being a Commissioner. More Like President of the Council or Commission.
LordBasil wrote: » He was also the main reason they lost the GE in February. Him leaving would open up an opportunity for someone else. Coveney is weakened by being from the same constituency as MM so someone else would likely get the job, I think they'd go for Pascal Donohue as they'd want a Dubliner as leader and Pascal is respected both home and abroad... see his recent election the Chair of the Eurogroup of Finance Ministers.
L1011 wrote: » His replacement has to be another Commissioner. They are not going to do a reshuffle a year and a bit in. Unless we try send a donkey, they're getting Trade.
First Up wrote: » I'm not sure about that. UVDL probably already has a shortlist of Commissioners deserving promotion. Will she wait while we decide who to nominate (not straightforward with a coalition) and then the vetting process? Plus she may well be inclined to rub our noses in a mess of our own making. Nor will some other member states be shy about pushing their man/woman. We're not the only country interested in that job.
Sir Oxman wrote: » I think that journalist was talking out their hoop tbh
L1011 wrote: They are exceptionally unlikely to reshuffle the Commission. We get to replace him.
LawBoy2018 wrote: » LV is the main reason why FG have grown in popularity since the beginning of the pandemic. They're hardly going to want/allow him to fak off to the EU + leave the party with a leader as stale as Simon Coveney.
Fann Linn wrote: » And according to a political journalist about the only constituency where they could practically hold the seat.
Hurrache wrote: » Do you think? I'd have thought the EU will decide his replacement in that role.
First Up wrote: » He has himself to blame. No sympathy for him but its a very unfortunate development for Ireland. An Irish Trade Commissioner was both moral and very practical support for us leading into EU-UK trade negotiations. It would be a diplomatic triumph for his successor to get the same portfolio but a shuffle is more likely. We (he) blew it and we will be made suffer. Hard work ahead; the livelehoods of some of those celebrating Hogan's downfall very likely depend on it.
Sir Oxman wrote: » Nice stepping stone, maybe?