McGuinness and McDowell names thrown in EU hat
The Government has written to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to propose as EU Commissioners Mairead McGuinness, currently vice president of the European Parliament, and Andrew McDowell, until recently vice president of the European Investment Bank.
Highest calibre
A Government statement said this afternoon that both are candidates of the highest calibre, possessing the necessary competence, independence and European commitment to serve in the role of Commissioner with distinction.
President von der Leyen will now consult the European Parliament before the appointment of a new Commissioner is made by the EU Council.
The question of the allocation of roles within the Commission is also one for President von der Leyen.