Kilkenny’s Big Phil confirmed as EU’s top trade negotiator

Ireland’s EU Commissioner, Kilkenny’s Phil Hogan has been confirmed as the European Union’s new Trade Commissioner.

This afternoon, MEPs ratified the appointment of the new European Commission by 461 votes to 157. The Commission consists of one member per EU state, holding a European portfolio.

Hogan’s appointment to the Trade role was approved by the European Parliament’s Trade Committee in Brussels last month.

The Trade Commissioner is seen as one of the heavyweight portfolios among the 27 Commissioner roles approved today. Mr Hogan will be the EU’s chief negotiator in any trade talks with the United Kingdom, should Brexit go ahead.

Mr Hogan’s new role comes with a salary of €240,000 per annum.