Jack Chambers to become Finance Minister after McGrath named as EU nominee

Jack Chambers is to be promoted to Finance Minister, after Michael McGrath was confirmed as Ireland’s nominee to become EU commissioner.

Mr Chambers, a 33-year-old Dubliner who has been a junior minister, was appointed Fianna Fail deputy leader last week.

Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin described him as a “very able, intelligent, highly effective politician”.

Taoiseach Simon Harris described Mr McGrath as “a dedicated public servant, a skilled minister and an extremely diligent and hard worker”.

“These qualities, and indeed the experience he has developed at a European level as our finance minister, and many other qualities that he possesses, as both a politician and a person, will be key to his success.”

Mr Martin praised Mr McGrath for his “shrewd stewardship” of the economy in his time as both finance minister and minister for public expenditure.

Mr McGrath has said he would continue his public service “on a different stage” and said he was leaving the Department of Finance at a time when the Irish economy was in good health.

Asked what portfolio he would prefer at EU level, Mr McGrath said an economic or financial portfolio would “seem to be an obvious area”.

“Obviously, the background that I have, my own qualifications, my political experience, all lie in the broad economic and financial area and that would seem to be an obvious area where my skills can be deployed.

“But it is something we will discuss over the days ahead. And as you know, when it comes to the allocation of different portfolios by the president of the Commission, there are many factors that come into play.”

The nomination of Mr McGrath by Mr Martin was discussed at a meeting of the three Government coalition leaders on Monday before being approved at Cabinet on Tuesday.

Mr Harris said that although the EU Commissioner nominee is made by Fianna Fail under the terms of the programme for government, it was not “a party political” position.

“For me, this isn’t about tribal politics or party politics or partisan politics, just by putting our best foot forward and about sending the best person that we can to the European Commission.”

Mr McGrath succeeds Fine Gael-nominated commissioner Mairead McGuinness.

Speaking before Cabinet, Mr Martin said a ministerial reshuffle would not affect the stability of the Government, as the coalition works “collectively”, “particularly” in relation to the Budget.

“That’s the normal flow that happens in the aftermath of an election. We have a reservoir of ability, of talented people who can step in and take on new roles.”