Last-minute lobbying by the government failed to net Michael McGrath his desired economic portfolio, but the political class is slowly coming around to justice

Poland's nominee Piotr Serafin is poised for a powerful job overseeing the EU's budget, while Lithuania's Andrius Kubilius is tipped to become the EU's first defence commissioner - a new role designed to build up European military manufacturing capacity in the face of Russian aggression in Europe's eastern flank.

It is still unclear how much tech regulation will be included in Michael McGrath’s job, but a fracas with Hungary looks inevitable

To use a military comparison, Michael McGrath is a “captain rather than a colonel” in the new line-up at the European Commission – the EU’s most powerful institution.

Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

Ireland’s next European Union commissioner, Michael McGrath, has been handed the portfolio covering justice and the rule of law, a position regarded as a mid-ranking role by several current and former senior EU officials.

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".

Ireland securing the European Union commissioner portfolio covering justice is a win, just maybe not the result the Government was hoping for. When each EU country told European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen what type of job they wanted for commissioner nominees they were putting forward,