Our man in Brussels

Phil Hogan has ascended to the plum post of European Commissioner for Trade at a time when Ireland desperately needs a strong voice to fight its corner in Europe

As European Commissioner for Trade, Phil Hogan says his first priority is to rescue the World Trade Organisation

Factfile

Age: 59

Appearance: no-nonsense political bruiser

Newsworthiness: in his role as trade commissioner, the Kilkenny man will play a key role in negotiating Britain’s post-Brexit trade deal with the EU

Bald, bespectacled and a hulking 6’5“, Phil Hogan folded himself into the European Parliament’s hot seat to be grilled by MEPs as they weighed up whether to approve his appointment as European Commissioner for Trade.

The 27 commissioners – one from each member ...