Mairead McGuinness MEP and First Vice-President of the European Parliament said she is honoured to be nominated by Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, for the European Commission post, along with Andrew McDowell, former Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.
“I want to thank the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Leader of my party, Leo Varadkar, and leader of the Green Party, Eamon Ryan, for this expression of confidence in me,” she said.
“It’s a great honour to be nominated as a candidate for a role that is so influential in the lives of citizens and businesses across Ireland and the entire EU, as it is to serve as I do as First Vice-President of the European Parliament.”
She said this is the first step in the process which is in the hands of Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. The European Parliament is also involved in the ratification process.
“Andrew McDowell is someone for whom I have a great deal of respect, having worked closely with him at various junctures in the past,” she said.
“We await the decision of President von der Leyen following the interview process.
“Meanwhile, I‘m focusing on completing negotiations on EU Climate Law, which will enshrine in legislation the target of climate neutrality by 2050.
“As lead rapporteur for the EPP Group, I am working with others to set ambitious and realistic targets to address the climate emergency and next week’s vote in the Environment Committee will be a crucial one.
“There are many challenges facing the EU in these unprecedented times with Covid-19 being but the latest – Brexit, climate change, trade challenges are just some of the top issues.
“I will remain focused on contributing, regardless of position, to finding solutions and supporting the work of colleagues in the Parliament and Commission,” she concluded.