Michael McGrath set to be named Ireland's next EU Commissioner

James Cox

Ireland's nomination for EU Commissioner will be discussed by the Coalition leaders this evening, with Minister for Finance Michael McGrath in line for the role.

It is widely anticipated that the current Finance Minister Michael McGrath will be put forward for Cabinet approval tomorrow morning.

As part of the coalition agreement, the Tánaiste will choose the nominee.

While he wouldn't be drawn on speculation surrounding Minister McGrath, Micheál Martin said the candidate will be "high-calibre".

"That's what counts [a high-calibre candidate], and that's the bottomw line, and should be the bottom line in respect of the various portfolios that will be allocated.

"Also in of the broader agreements that are taking place at European level, I think that is a factor, and obviously, we will continue engagement with our own MEPs and there will be discussions across the Parliament at a later stage."