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McGrath gets thumbs up from Fine Gaelers, but surprise expressed on Chambers' leap to finance

McGrath is seen by some Fine Gael TDs to be ‘more open with the purse strings’ than their very own Paschal Donohoe.

LESS THAN AN hour after Michael McGrath had been announced as nominee for Ireland’s next EU Commissioner, the exiting finance minister was in the Dáil canteen with his wife Sarah. 

No sooner had they set their lunch trays down in the corner, McGrath was beset with well-wishers from all political parties.

“Well done”, “delighted for you”, “congratulations” they said as they shook his hand. 

It was a big day for the Cork man and father of seven, who was first elected to Passage West Town Council in 1999 aged just 22, before moving onto Cork County Council, the Dáil and then Cabinet. 

Now he is onto an even bigger stage. 

In the courtyard of Government Buildings earlier this morning, McGrath said he is “immensely excited” to have the opportunity to help shape policy across the European Union.

He regaled to reporters how 25 years ago this month he ran for election for the very first time, though he added he was a “much more fresh faced 22 year old” back then. 

Tanaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin described McGrath as a “very able, intelligent, highly effective politician”.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he is “a dedicated public servant, a skilled minister and an extremely diligent and hard worker”.

“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,” said Harris. 

So what is the thinking behind McGrath going to Brussels?

A “high-calibre” candidate was always going to be needed for such a prestigious position in Europe, with government sources stating that there were really only two options open to them: McGrath or Martin. 

The Tánaiste is understood to have toyed with the idea, but it soon became clear over the last year that he wanted to stay put and lead his party into the next general election. 

McGrath was therefore the chosen one for some time now, with many The Journal spoke to stating that they were not surprised by the appointment. 

While those within his own party will of course sing his praises, it is interesting to note that those in Fine Gael also have complimentary things to say about the Cork man. 

‘Decent and non partisan’

“McGrath is well liked across all parties. He is very decent and not partisan,” said one senior Fine Gael minister. 

“Fine Gaelers like McGrath,” said one Fine Gael TD, stating that he is “very capable”.

Another said there is “no negativity” towards McGrath from the Fine Gael benches, adding that if anything, he was seen by Fine Gael TDs to be “more open with the purse strings” than their very own Paschal Donohoe. 

They said it would often be said in jest that “it was easier to get €100 million out of McGrath than €1 million out of Paschal”. 

the-minister-for-finance-michael-mcgrath-td-right-and-the-minister-for-public-expenditure-national-development-plan-delivery-and-reform-paschal-donohoe-td-speaking-during-a-press-conference-at Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

While most in Fine Gael said the decision was the right choice, there were some concerns about the job McGrath might end up getting in Brussels. 

One said it is likely McGrath would get a “mid-tier job” such as internal markets and competition, while if the Tánaiste had decided to take on the Commissioner role, a job higher up the ladder might have been available for a former Taoiseach. 

This Fine Gaeler also raised concerns about Fianna Fáil MEPs not backing Ursula von der Leyen for the European Commissioner job and questioned whether it might have an impact when the Commissioner roles are being doled out. 

All four Fianna Fáil MEPs — Barry Andrews, Barry Cowen, Billy Kelleher and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú – pledged to voters in the run up to the European election that they would not vote for von der Leyen to have another term. 

Martin said this week that he would engage with his MEPs ahead of the vote, though as it is a secret ballot, the party whip would prove ineffective. 

Overall, those that spoke to this publication said that McGrath would do a good job in Europe.

Those in Fianna Fáil obviously see it as a successful day for the party, though some now question the direction for the future. 

Jack Chambers tipped for the top

McGrath would have been an obvious successor for leadership — but now there’s speculation that Jack Chambers, the new finance minister, is tipped for the top. 

Those within his own party told The Journal that Chambers is well-liked by party colleagues, but is also described as a hard worker and “well able” for the task ahead of him. 

The Tánaiste likes and trusts Chambers, according to those within his own party, who state that Martin sees him as a possible successor. 

former-taoiseach-bertie-ahern-left-and-jack-chambers-minister-of-state-at-the-department-of-transport-arrive-for-the-state-funeral-of-former-taoiseach-john-bruton-at-saints-peters-and-pauls-chur Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Jack Chambers. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

There is no doubt that the Dublin West TD has made quite the leap — from junior ministry right into one of the most senior positions at the Cabinet table. 

Less than a week after he was appointed as the new deputy leader of Fianna Fail, Chambers now finds himself with a number of challenges on his desk. 

He’ll have to contend with the Summer Economic Statement shortly, before entering into the budget negotiations, where be will have to put a shape on the tax package. 

He will also find himself dealing with budget kites flown by his coalition partners in Fine Gael, such as inheritance tax and the 9% VAT.

What do Fine Gaelers make of the appointment? 

“Delighted for him,” said one, who predicted that he might become Ireland’s second gay Taoiseach one day. 

However, others within Fine Gael expressed their surprise at the appointment, stating that there are concerns about the lack of experience as he has never led a department before.

The general feeling in Fine Gael is that Junior Minister Dara Calleary would have made a good finance minister, and questioned the “strange carry on” of appointing Chambers the deputy leadership just a week ago. 

One TD said putting someone from a junior position in the finance ministry might be a good way for the Tánaiste to run the show during budget negotiations. 

Another deputy agreed, but added: 

“One thing is clear from all this, Micheál Martin plans to be around for a good while yet.”

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    Mute Irish Axe
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    Jun 25th 2024, 9:32 PM

    Martin is losing his marbles making him Minister for Finance

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    Mute james rowan
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    Jun 25th 2024, 9:48 PM

    @Irish Axe: the budget is done and dusted,,,

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    Mute Washpenrebel
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    Jun 25th 2024, 9:37 PM

    Another man the bankers, developers, cuckoo funds and vulture funds can count on. This man won’t do anything for the ordinary irish person.

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    Mute Vincent Alexander
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    Jun 26th 2024, 12:06 AM

    @Washpenrebel: It was ok for Doherty to go off to London in April courtesy Davy Stock Brokers. Now these slanderous accusations are being made about Chambers without foundation. The election showed that thumbs up in the Journal is probably orchestrated.

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    Mute John D Doe
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    Jun 26th 2024, 1:41 AM

    @Washpenrebel: I am delighted for you shinners, a hunger strike couldn’t even save ye now lol

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Jun 26th 2024, 12:58 PM

    @Washpenrebel: ‘this is the way’

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    Mute Brian Hunt
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    Jun 25th 2024, 10:47 PM

    Chambers, another FF shyster who rose without a trace!

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    Mute R. Gantly
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    Jun 26th 2024, 12:43 AM

    @Brian Hunt: nah he’s been working in my area for years , actually he’s a good lad with incredible work ethic and was fully engaged in transport job he’s had recently.
    We do need fresh faces with a high level of competence. I’m not surprised he was picked for the job. As for finance , civil service run that department. He’ll have very little to do except hold up the USB drive on budget day like his predecessors ( who held up a brief case) for the photo op.

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    Mute Balloon Boy
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    Jun 25th 2024, 10:21 PM

    He’s a cold, callous weirdo and his expedited ascension from the FF test tube is unnerving.

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    Mute SV3tN8M4
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    Jun 26th 2024, 7:11 AM

    The Hypocrisy of those in the Dail standing applauding Natasha O Brien, when they have failed her & all other victims of crime.
    Sickening watching Helen Mc Entee & the leaders of the parties, when they are the ones responsible for the breakdown of Law & Order & the hames of a Judicial system we have.
    The “anger” of Harris & Micheal Martin at the Defence Forces is sickening & deflection from their own failures over the years. No reform of the Judiciary, Legal System or Sentencing as it’s the Golden Circle, while victims pay the price.
    Remember Ashling Murphy & that round of applause & things would change & Micheal Martin dismissing her boyfriend. Nothing changed, now another round of applause.
    Natasha has done more in one week to highlight their failures & as she says, just do your jobs !

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    Mute Liam23
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    Jun 26th 2024, 7:57 AM

    @SV3tN8M4: it was sickening alright, even seeing the shinners clapping given their track record towards women

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    Mute Thomas Howley
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    Jun 26th 2024, 8:15 AM

    @SV3tN8M4: you are so so right..Asling Murphy RiP.

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    Mute Alan Cowdell Browne
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    Jun 25th 2024, 10:00 PM

    Anybody else think Chambers looks like a young version of Stan Smith from American Dad

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    Mute Paddy Short
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    Jun 25th 2024, 10:21 PM

    There is no knife that cuts so sharply and with such poisoned blade as treachery.
    Ouida

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    Mute rory457
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    Jun 25th 2024, 10:19 PM

    I think it’s a great appointment. Just because he is young does not mean he is not capable.

    If someone else, who was hinted at, was appointed, people would say here we go again.

    Always the trolls.

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    Mute Colette Kearns
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    Jun 25th 2024, 11:02 PM

    @rory457: But he’s more than likely Not suitable for the job, but that’s the way it goes in government & sure he doesn’t need to know much as he’ll have loads of advisers!!

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    Mute Paul Gorry
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    Jun 26th 2024, 12:38 AM

    @rory457: Nothing to do with “trolls” Rory. Here we go again…

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    Mute sean weir
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    Jun 26th 2024, 7:35 AM

    @rory457: he’s a 34 year old with no real job experience,such what can go wrong ???

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    Mute BarryH
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    Jun 26th 2024, 10:44 AM

    @rory457: I hope I am wrong but I think his appointment is a bit scary. A senior minister needs to be very experienced and capable of arguing their point against the likes of Pearse Doherty and the mandarins in the Dept of Finance. And he has to have a strong and assertive public persona to put his policies across to the public. He may be highly intelligent but on TV, he couldn’t argue his way out of a paper bag. Just like McEntee.
    He has being rushed to the top to counter Simon Harris and FG, he ain’t no Simon Harris. And to give Martin a tighter grip on his party.
    For the sake of the country, I wish him well but am not going to hold my breath

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    Mute Paul O'Mahoney
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    Jun 26th 2024, 1:24 PM

    @Colette Kearns: And if SF win an election and Doherty is, yes the same Doherty who lied about his qualifications and has never worked in Finance in his entire career, his financial experience was to pay someone 8k from his unclaimed expenses when they should have been returned to the Exchequer…….

    For heavens sake

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    Mute Paul O'Mahoney
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    Jun 26th 2024, 1:28 PM

    @BarryH: Pearce Doherty lied about his qualifications and is nothing special. I think it’s changing of the Guards and let’s be honest we don’t need 60 year olds deciding for 30 year olds, if he makes a mess the electorate will tell him.

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    Mute Shimo F
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    Jun 26th 2024, 3:26 PM

    No qualifications in business or economics but sure hay Jack your perfect to run the countries finances. :)

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    Mute James Brennan
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    Jun 26th 2024, 12:58 PM

    Didn’t he drop out of studying medicine to become a politician?

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Jun 26th 2024, 1:00 PM

    @James Brennan: Had studied political science in Trinity too

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    Mute Paul O'Mahoney
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    Jun 26th 2024, 1:31 PM

    @James Brennan: At least he has a degree.

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    Mute Wayne Shoes
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    Jun 26th 2024, 4:09 PM

    John doe =orange c,,t

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