The Irish Prime Minister today came under pressure from the Republic’s Opposition parties over allegations he has blocked socialist candidate Frans Timmermans for Jean-Claude Juncker’s role of European Commission President. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin backed Mr Timmermans and launched an attack on Mr Varadkar for not doing so. He said: “I find it extraordinary that the Taoiseach is putting EPP politics before Ireland’s interests when he outlines his concerns about the suggested appointment of Mr Timmermans as a compromise candidate.”
Mr Martin also condemned Mr Varadkar for siding with candidates liked by EU member states such as Hungary and Poland, whose rule of law and judicial independence have been questioned by the bloc.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin told the Irish Independent: “Ireland’s interest would be better served if Leo Varadkar avoided publicly supporting the right-wing of the conservative EPP group, who are unlikely to support Ireland in a hard Brexit.”
A source close to the Taoiseach rejected the criticism and added that Ireland’s priority was for “a balanced package of top jobs which properly reflects gender, geography and politics”.
This came as Mr Vardakar himself was touted to take over from Mr Juncker when he officially leaves his post in November.
But Mr Varadkar said he would not be interested in the position.
A source from the Republic of Ireland government said Mr Varadkar has already told Mr Tusk he is not interested, and has no said “he’s not a candidate and doesn’t want to be considered”.
Mr Varadkar himself slapped down plans by Mr Tusk to suggest the appointment.
He said last week: “I have a job, it’s as Taoiseach of Ireland. I’m loving the job.
“I’m only getting started, I hope, so I’ve no plans for a career change at this stage.”
A bitter row of who would take the coveted position risks ripping the EU apart.
Originally, German Chancellor Angela Merkel had been chasing it as well as French President Emmanuel Macron.
But Ms Merkel put forward fellow German Manfred Weber in a move blocked by Mr Marcon.
