Michael McGrath Appointed As The New EU Commissioner For Justice
Michael McGrath is named as the new EU commissioner for justice by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Former finance minister Michael McGrath is the newest EU commissioner for democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
Michael McGrath was the previous Cork South Central TD who would now be overseeing matters for tackling breaches of the rule of law by the EU member states. He would guarantee the application of laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
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President von der Leyen revealed the portfolios of the new team members of the commissioners early this morning today. The President explained that McGrath would administer the proceedings regarding anti-corruption and the pertinent EU’s work on it.
The President said, “I have entrusted him with the responsibility to take forward the European Democracy Shield. He will also lead our work on the rule of law, anti-corruption and consumer protection”.
The president unveiled the reason for Michael McGrath’s selection
When she was asked about the reason for the appointment of Michael McGrath as the new EU commissioner of justice, she verified his track record as finance minister. She knew that he was an apt choice for this role as he was aware of all the rules and policies of the economic portfolio and how well he would be able to match his capabilities with the overall policies of the European Union.
She elucidated that the rest of the commissioners are more directed towards handling political affairs while McGrath would be dealing with the ministry’s leadership with technical expertise.
President further added that there are 20 commissioners in the entire economic portfolio to run the European Union matters. However, it is not possible to have 20 strong commissioners for “strong economic positions”.
She was aware that the foundation of the rule of law is the political affiliation of Renew, Fianna Fáil’s European political group, and that its significance differs from other aspects of the rule of law.
Another important aspect that McGrath would be handling tactfully is consumer rights. The President was confident that the new EU commissioner for justice possesses the shrewdness for managing the complicated elements of this “highly respected portfolio”.
Miss Ursula von der Leyen was proud to state that 11 out of 27 commissioners were females which is a 22 per cent rise of the female inclusion of commissioners members from the previous nominations. The current female representation is 40 per cent of the entire member committee.
However, previously Miss Ursula von der Leyen told that the low female representation was “unacceptable” to her. She worked with other member states to improve and balance a 40:60 ratio for female and male members. “And it showed, as much as we have achieved, there is still so much more work to do”, she said.
Six executive vice presidents, two males and four women, round out the team. Three members were from those who had come before the fall of the Iron Curtain and the remaining three were those who joined later.
The President proudly remarked that they all belonged to different backgrounds, such as Baltics, Nordics and Eastern Europe but they had one common goal in mind: “to make Europe stronger”.
Taoiseach Simon Harris supported the decision and was happy with the appointment of Michael McGrath. He welcomed him as a “strong and influential appointment for Ireland’s Commissioner” position. He was content that after working with Miss Ursula von der Leyen for the past few weeks, he acknowledged her decisions and counted it as a “vote of confidence” for Ireland’s better future.
