Michael McGrath named as EU Commissioner for Justice

In announcing Mr McGrath, Ms von der Leyen said that she has entrusted him with the responsibility to "take forward the European democracy shield".

The former finance minister will also lead the commission's work on rule of law, anti-corruption and consumer protection.

Government sources said that Mr McGrath had hoped for an economic portfolio, but this has not transpired under Ms von der Leyen.

In her address, she noted that at least 20 member states had aspirations of landing a strong economic portfolio but there were simply not enough positions to go around.

"The commissioners are not the technical experts, they are the political leaders," said Ms von der Leyen, acknowledging Mr McGrath's track record as a minister in Ireland.

The topics that fall under his new portfolio are important and ones "where he will excel", she said adding that it is a highly respected portfolio.

Following the announcement by Ms von der Leyen, Mr McGrath said he is honoured and looks forward to engaging with the Parliament in the weeks ahead.

“The portfolio is a vitally important one for Europe: protecting our democratic values, rule of law and the rights of our citizens is fundamental to the future development of the EU and the single market,” said Mr McGrath.

“It is the first time that Ireland will hold this portfolio and is a recognition of our standing as a country with a strong democratic and open society.” The Taoiseach congratulated Mr McGrath on securing a portfolio of importance that requires “judgement, integrity and a seriousness of purpose” which he said the former minister has demonstrated in his career.

Simon Harris said he had worked closely with Ms von der Leyen over recent weeks and hailed the appointment as a vote of confidence in Mr McGrath.

He thanked Ms von der Leyen for the “meticulous work” put into forming the commission.

“Anti-corruption and consumer protection will be among his many powers and duties, as well as the wide-ranging justice portfolio,” said Mr Harris.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin congratulated the Cork TD saying his nominee will serve with "great energy and diligence" in what Mr Martin said is a significant role.

"It was important that the Irish Government nominated a Commissioner of the highest calibre, and Michael will no doubt bring all of his experience in Government here to his new job in Europe," said Mr Martin.

While announcing the next College of Commissioners, Ms von der Leyen spoke of the importance of balance, in terms of geography and also gender.

Ms von der Leyen was firm in asking each country to nominate one woman and one man as candidates for commissionerships.

However, following the initial nominations the breakdown of candidates was 22% women and 78% men.

Ireland was among the countries who did not nominate a female candidate.

Ms von der Leyen said the reluctance of some countries to nominate a woman was "completely unacceptable" and said she worked intensely with the commission and managed to bring this to 40% women.

The situation was evidence that "as much as we have achieved there is still so much work to do", she said.

Of the six executive vice presidencies, four are women which Ms von der Leyen said flipped the gender representation.

After announcing the new College of Commissioners, Ms von der Leyen said it delivered a key message that "wherever we come from, whatever our job title, we must all work together".

She said that while each member state is independent, the guiding interest must be the European interest and each must take ownership of what has been agreed in the College.

The appointment of the commissioners has been the subject of some controversy after the preferred candidate of the Slovenian government was withdrawn a few weeks ago and a woman proposed in his place.

On Monday, French EU Commissioner Thierry Breton resigned, suggesting that Ms von der Leyen had gone behind his back to get another French official named in his place to the next commission.

In a post on social media platform X containing his resignation letter to the EU’s top official, Mr Breton said that Ms von der Leyen’s move was “further testimony to questionable governance – I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College”.

The commission was scheduled to start work on November 1, but speculation is rife that it might not get down to business before January.

- Additional reporting by Associated Press