Gilmore requests support for commissioner job

Eamon Gilmore, leader of Ireland’s Labour Party and Tánaiste, has sought the support of Joan Burton and Alex White in his attempts to become Ireland’s next European commissioner.

Ahead of an EU summit on the Commission presidency, he held separate meetings with the two candidates to replace him as party leader, during which he explained his intentions to be named the commissioner.

Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan remains the frontrunner for the role, despite a number of Labour Party ministers and MPs saying Gilmore would be an excellent commissioner.

The Irish Times reported that White said he will support Gilmore’s candidacy and that Burton, favourite to replace Gilmore as leader, will seek his appointment as commissioner.