The move by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to force European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan to resign is not in the national interest.
His resignation could yield some political dividend for a Government desperate to regain credibility, but it would come at huge political cost in Brussels – a cost that will be ultimately carried by Irish citizens and front-loaded on to Irish farmers.
It is critical that this is a view made clear immediately by farm organisations to both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.
No one can attempt to defend Commissioner Hogan’s actions in relation to his attendance at a golfing event in Galway last Wednesday. But calling on him to stand down from such a pivotal and influential role within the European Commission, at such a critical time for Ireland, would affect every citizen in the country and in particular the farming community.
Influence
Regardless of political allegiances, few could deny that Phil Hogan, in his second term as European Commissioner, carries huge influence and respect within the college of Commissioners. Both his influence and position as Commissioner for Trade is without doubt one of the strongest cards Ireland has in ensuring the impact of Brexit on our economy is understood and remains centre stage within Brussels.
Hogan will play a key role in ensuring the economic response from Brussels reflects the economic impact on both our national economy and in particular the income of farmers.
Removing him from the equation at this time greatly weakens the Irish influence and further exposes Ireland to the fallout of what now looks increasingly like a no-deal Brexit. The Government’s own analysis shows the economic impact of a no-deal Brexit on agriculture to be €1.7bn per annum.
Also, in the context of CAP reform, we should not lose sight of the extent to which Hogan has proved to be an important counterbalance to a Polish Commissioner for Agriculture who is focused on increasing the level of financial support for eastern member states at the expense of those in the west, such as Ireland.
Own goal
The resignation of Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary was a major blow to farmers but minsters can always be reappointed and the political fallout contained.
To lose an Irishman from the most important role Ireland has ever had in Europe would be an astonishing own goal.
While Ireland will be able to reappoint a commissioner, it is highly unlikely that whoever is put forward will secure such an influential portfolio as trade or command the same political respect. Well aware of the risks from the political fallout in Brussels should Hogan resign, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste need to justify their decision in the context of doing what is right in the national interest.
Surely a form of sanctioning that would not impact so severely on the country would have been a better approach.
Read more
Hogan asked to ‘consider his position’ at European Commission
Taoiseach to recall Dáil
Calleary resigns, Hogan under fire for attending golf dinner
The move by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to force European Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan to resign is not in the national interest.
His resignation could yield some political dividend for a Government desperate to regain credibility, but it would come at huge political cost in Brussels – a cost that will be ultimately carried by Irish citizens and front-loaded on to Irish farmers.
It is critical that this is a view made clear immediately by farm organisations to both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.
No one can attempt to defend Commissioner Hogan’s actions in relation to his attendance at a golfing event in Galway last Wednesday. But calling on him to stand down from such a pivotal and influential role within the European Commission, at such a critical time for Ireland, would affect every citizen in the country and in particular the farming community.
Influence
Regardless of political allegiances, few could deny that Phil Hogan, in his second term as European Commissioner, carries huge influence and respect within the college of Commissioners. Both his influence and position as Commissioner for Trade is without doubt one of the strongest cards Ireland has in ensuring the impact of Brexit on our economy is understood and remains centre stage within Brussels.
Hogan will play a key role in ensuring the economic response from Brussels reflects the economic impact on both our national economy and in particular the income of farmers.
Removing him from the equation at this time greatly weakens the Irish influence and further exposes Ireland to the fallout of what now looks increasingly like a no-deal Brexit. The Government’s own analysis shows the economic impact of a no-deal Brexit on agriculture to be €1.7bn per annum.
Also, in the context of CAP reform, we should not lose sight of the extent to which Hogan has proved to be an important counterbalance to a Polish Commissioner for Agriculture who is focused on increasing the level of financial support for eastern member states at the expense of those in the west, such as Ireland.
Own goal
The resignation of Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary was a major blow to farmers but minsters can always be reappointed and the political fallout contained.
To lose an Irishman from the most important role Ireland has ever had in Europe would be an astonishing own goal.
While Ireland will be able to reappoint a commissioner, it is highly unlikely that whoever is put forward will secure such an influential portfolio as trade or command the same political respect. Well aware of the risks from the political fallout in Brussels should Hogan resign, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste need to justify their decision in the context of doing what is right in the national interest.
Surely a form of sanctioning that would not impact so severely on the country would have been a better approach.
Read more
Hogan asked to ‘consider his position’ at European Commission
Taoiseach to recall Dáil
Calleary resigns, Hogan under fire for attending golf dinner
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