Ó Ríordáin welcomes appointment of EU Housing Commissioner

Labour Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said he has kept his election promise of delivering a European housing commissioner.

Danish Social Democrats politician Dan Jørgensen has been named in the role as EU commissioner Ursula Von Der Leyen has named her new line-up.

After being confirmed by a secret ballot of MEPs in June (with Ó Ríordáin, Lynn Boylan and Barry Andrews all stating they voted against her) Von Der Leyen has spent the last few weeks piecing together her backroom team for her 2nd term as EU boss.

Ó Ríordáin was pleased someone from his grouping of Socialists and Democrats was named in the role, with the grouping also securing the Just Transition and Employment portfolio.

“It’s hugely significant that a Housing Commissioner has been proposed. Even more importantly, it will be in socialist hands – proving once again the value of having an Irish S&D MEP,” he said.

“One of my key priorities as MEP for Dublin will be delivering a European Plan for Affordable Housing. To do that, we will need someone to spearhead the investment in and delivery of homes; a Housing Commissioner is a part of the answer.”

He asserted that a title is not enough to tackle the European housing crisis, and Ó Ríordáin said ” I will continue to work hard to ensure that this is a job that has teeth.

“During my campaign, I promised the people of Dublin that I would be on the front foot with calls for an EU Housing Commissioner. As the greatest civil rights issue of our times, EU Institutions need to take decisive action in tackling this crisis. ”

“I pledged to keep a laser focus on housing, housing, housing. Since my election to the Parliament in June, I have pushed for a re-imagined Europe, a Europe that cares about fundamental rights like housing. I truly believe we can make Dublin the best place to live, work and raise a family. This is a step towards achieving that, for the love of Dublin.”

Elsewhere on the European front, former Minister for Finance Michael McGrath will represent Ireland in the juicy Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law role.

The Cork man will have responsibility for democracy issues in the EU, which will put him in contention with Hungary.

Hungary has repeatedly fallen foul of EU laws surrounding the Rule Of Law and not playing by EU roles, and now Von Der Leyen has designated that role to McGrath.