Brian Cowen Nominates Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as Next EU Commissioner

The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen T.D. announced this afternoon that Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, currently the Irish member of the European Court of Auditors, will be the Government’s nominee for appointment to the next European Commission.

“I am pleased to announce that the Government are nominating Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as the next Irish Commissioner. She has been an exemplary member of the European Court of Auditors for the past nine years and, prior to that, held a number of key Ministerial positions in the Irish Government. Her combination of experience and qualities make her particularly suited to serving as European Commissioner” the Taoiseach said.

“I expect her to make a major contribution to the work of the new
Commission which will include the challenge of overseeing implementation of the positive changes that the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will usher in”, he added.

The Taoiseach said that Ms Geoghegan-Quinn enjoys wide respect in Europe for her role in the Court of Auditors, and has an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the European Union including, in particular, the European Commission.

“In addition to her recent role as a Member of the European Court of Auditors, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has wide Ministerial experience and a strong track record in a number of Government Departments, where she made a significant contribution to legislative reform and to the development of Ireland’s relationship with Europe”, the Taoiseach said.

“In reaching its decision, the Government has of course been mindful of the emphasis that President Barroso has placed on the importance of a balanced composition of the College of Commissioners, and in particular its gender balance”, he added. “I know that Máire’s experience, hard work and commitment will be major assets to President Barroso’s new Commission, which must show great leadership and commitment as we head into the new era of the Lisbon Treaty reforms”, the Taoiseach said.

The Taoiseach also congratulated and thanked the outgoing Irish Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, for the significant contribution he had made to the advancement of Europe’s interests during his term in office.