The Minister of State for Higher Education, Niall Collins, announced that Fianna Fáil will support Ursula Von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission, while also considering the best portfolio for Ireland’s nominee, Micheal McGrath. The Government has nominated Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, as Ireland’s next Commissioner, sparking concerns that opposing Von der Leyen could impact McGrath’s chances of securing a key economic position.
Fianna Fáil MEPs initially planned to vote against Von der Leyen, but the party has since aligned with Renew/ALDE to back her. Tánaiste Mícheál Martin will work with MEPs to ensure McGrath receives a prominent portfolio beneficial to Ireland. Taoiseach Simon Harris emphasized the importance of supporting McGrath’s nomination within the coalition of EPP, Socialists, and Renew.
With Von der Leyen in need of majority support in the European Parliament, the decision of Irish MEPs will be crucial in determining the outcome of the vote in mid-July.
![Fianna Fáil to 'engage' with MEPs on Von der Leyen vote 1 Ursula von der Leyen](https://img.rasset.ie/0020809b-614.jpg?ratio=1.78)