Former Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan has said that Ireland will be harmed as a result of Phil Hogan’s resignation as EU Trade Commissioner.

Speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk, the TD said that the national interest has been damaged as a result.

Other countries have a “protectionist” view on trade, unlike Ireland, he said, and Hogan’s exit will harm Ireland as Brexit looms.

“They have a protectionist attitude, we want an open trade environment, that’s what Phil Hogan and an Irish person was bringing to the portfolio,” he said.

Damaged

“I think by losing it, we’ve damaged the country’s national interest.”

O’Callaghan continued: “It looks like the country is no longer going to hold the trade portfolio, and trade is hugely important to this country.

“It’s an EU competency, we don’t have control over EU trade policy. It was a huge advantage having an Irish person in that portfolio.”