Tony Connelly

Europe Editor

Michael McGrath said he was waiting for clarification on whether or not he would have responsibility for GDPR as justice commissioner

EU job shows von der Leyen 'has trust in me' - McGrath

Ireland's EU Commissioner-designate Michael McGrath has welcomed his appointment as the EU's justice commissioner, describing the rule of law as "a fundamental value of the European Union".

Europe • 17 Sep 24

Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the portfolios of her new Commission in Strasbourg

Michael McGrath announced as new EU justice commissioner

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced former minister of finance Michael McGrath as the new EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law.

Europe • 17 Sep 24

Ursula von der Leyen has already pushed back the announcement of her new commission, and there are now concerns that another delay is imminent

EU Commission: A high stakes cliffhanger over top jobs

If Ursula von der Leyen thought that winning a European Parliament vote in July was the biggest hurdle she would face in launching her second mandate, the machinations over actually forming the new European Commission have proven just as fraught.

Europe • 16 Sep 24

Margrethe Vestager told reporters that the ruling was a win for the level playing field of the EU's internal market

Apple tax ruling a 'big win for EU citizens' - Vestager

EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager has hailed the judgment by the European Court of Justice as "a big win for EU citizens and tax justice".

Europe • 10 Sep 24

Italian former prime minister and economist Mario Draghi has issued a stark warning about the European economy

Draghi urges reform, investment drive to revive EU

European growth has been falling behind that of the US since the beginning of the 21st century, while a more uncertain global trading picture threatens to further undo EU growth prospects, according to an eagerly awaited report by former ECB president Mario Draghi.

Business • 09 Sep 24

Former RTÉ journalist Ciaran Mullooly pictured at the Midlands-North-West count centre

Mullooly set to join EU's Renew grouping

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly is expected to formally join the Renew group in the European Parliament within the next week, following the endorsement of a key figure within the liberal grouping.

Politics • 02 Jul 24

Ursula von der Leyen is set for a second term as Commission president

Perilous charm offensive ahead for Von der Leyen

Despite the far right and hard right gains in the European elections, EU leaders have this week steered the European project away from the shoals with their handling of the top jobs.

Europe • 29 Jun 24

Simon Harris: "We're delighted to have her here in Ireland but she did take a pebble from a beach in Greystones"

Simon Harris has a 'bone to pick' with Taylor Swift

The Taoiseach Simon Harris says he has a "bone to pick" with Taylor Swift ahead of her Dublin concerts over her song lyrics about taking a pebble from a Wicklow beach.

Music • 28 Jun 24

The Taoiseach said the price of the TV licence fee could fall, depending on the method of collection

Govt keeping options open on RTÉ funding

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that if the Government chooses a new licence fee model to fund RTÉ, the price of the licence could fall depending on the method of collection.

Ireland • 28 Jun 24

Ursula von der Leyen needs the support of a majority in the European Parliament and there are indications that she may struggle to win enough votes

Harris to 'engage' with Irish MEPs on von der Leyen vote

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will be "engaging" with Irish MEPs ahead of a key vote to confirm Ursula von der Leyen's second term as European Commission President after she was nominated last night by a majority of EU leaders.

Politics • 28 Jun 24