The deliberation over who will replace Phil Hogan as Ireland’s representative in the European Commission is continuing with a number of high-profile names in the billing.

Government leaders, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Eamon Ryan are searching for a replacement after European Commissioner for Trade Hogan resigned from his position over controversy in the wake of ‘golfgate’.

Fine Gael MEPs Mairead McGuinness and Frances Fitzgerald have been touted as suitable candidates and both have declared their interest in the role. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Fine Gael deputy leader Simon Coveney is viewed as another strong possibility.

A number of high-ranking Irish diplomats are also linked with the role.

The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has requested that Ireland puts forward both a male and female candidate for her to select from.

Farm organisations have stressed that the chosen replacements must give Ireland the highest possible chance of retaining the trade portfolio, a brief crucial to Irish agriculture as EU-UK trade deal negotiations enter their final stages.

IFA president Tim Cullinan said Hogan had been a strong and respected voice for agriculture and Ireland in the Commission, and had been particularly forthright on Brexit. He said it was vital a similarly capable candidate be put forward.

Macra na Feirme president Thomas Duffy said the Government must guarantee two candidates “with the experience, reputation, network, and skill set” to retain the trade portfolio are selected.

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