Phil Hogan’s re-appointment as European Commissioner comes as little surprise. It is extremely likely that he will look for a new portfolio, leaving agriculture behind.

For Irish farming, the access granted by having an Irish Commissioner for Agriculture will now pass.

Almost all the key members of his personal cabinet will leave DG Agri with him, although links with many key people have been established. There is a recognition in Irish farming that Hogan remaining on leaves a sympathetic ear in Brussels.

Environment or Competition will be the fallback positions for Hogan

There’s no guarantee Mercosur will be off his plate, as the Commissioner for Trade position is widely believed to be the one he covets.

Of course, these senior positions are only gained following a lot of horse trading. Hogan won’t be the only second-term commissioner, with former national prime ministers among the newcomers. Environment or Competition will be the fallback positions for Hogan.

Similar horse trading determines what parliamentary committees MEPs are admitted to. The agriculture committee will have a familiar look to it, with Mairead McGuinness, Luke Ming Flanagan and Matt Carthy again forming the Irish representation. With the next CAP to be decided, these three will play a key role during a crucial period.

Wallace has been vocal in his criticism of Ireland’s agricultural policy, so expect more of the same here

The environment committee will be as influential on Europe’s agricultural policy, with 40% of the next CAP’s budget dedicated to actions on the environment and climate. Here Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan and Independent Mick Wallace will form the Irish contingent. Wallace has been vocal in his criticism of Ireland’s agricultural policy, so expect more of the same here.

Elsewhere, the budgetary control committee will also have a big say in CAP. There is a proposed cut of 5% for the next round so these MEPs will have to resist that. Ireland’s interest will be represented here by Flanagan.

The experienced Sean Kelly will sit on the industry and energy committee, where he will be joined by Green MEP Ciaran Cuffe. Cuffe also sits on the transport and tourism committee.

First-time MEPs Frances Fitzgerald and Billy Kelleher have opted for the economic and monetary affairs committee which looks after financial services and taxation policy. Maria Walsh will sit on the employment and social affairs committee.