Phil Hogan set for key EU trade portfolio

His appointment is seen as a signal of EU solidarity with Ireland as Hogan will be in charge of any post-Brexit trade deal to be negotiated with the UK

Phil Hogan faces Trump trade challenges. Pic: Getty

New European Commission presidentUrsula von der Leyen has nominated Ireland’s Phil Hogan to be the EU’s new trade commissioner.

Hogan, who has held the agriculture portfolio for the past five years, said his appointment came at an important time for the EU and Ireland, describing International trade is "the lifeline of the EU economy”.

His appointment is seen as a signal of EU solidarity with Ireland as Hogan, who has been a fierce critic ofthe UK’s approach to Brexit, will be in charge of any new trade deal to be negotiated with the UK.