Geoghegan-Quinn calls for fast selection of successor

The outgoing European Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, has called for the Irish Prime Minister to select her Irish replacement quickly.

According to the Irish Independent, Geoghegan-Quinn said it was important that Taoiseach Enda Kenny made his choice fast if the EU member state is to secure a major portfolio in the next College of Commissioners.

The current Irish commissioner made the comments at the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway after she had been conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Speaking to the newspaper, she said: “I think the important thing for Ireland is that they make a decision soon because the sooner the decision is made the sooner a very good portfolio will be available for the country.”

The European Commissioner also commented on the Jean-Claude Junker’s candidacy for European Commission President, describing him as an “obvious candidate and the obvious choice”.

Geoghegan-Quinn said she will also leave politics on retiring from the European Commission.