Donohoe must explain non-campaign for ECB post

Labour Party leader and spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Brendan Howlin TD, has called on the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform to make a statement outlining the campaign undertaken by the Government in support of the candidacy of the Governor of the Central Bank, Philip Lane, for the role of Vice President of the European Central Bank.

Deputy Howlin said:

“Having nominated the Governor of the Central Bank to this important position, one Ireland has never held, it appears that the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have failed to mount a diplomatic campaign in support of its candidate.

“Officials from the key member states have suggested that Ireland has hardly campaigned at all. Weak Irish campaigns are not new, but making no effort at all is a new low.

“I am calling on the Minister for Finance to make a statement outlining the Government’s efforts in support of Governor Lane’s candidacy. Having nominated the Governor, the obligation is on the Government to leave no stone unturned in seeking the position for Ireland. The candidate himself and the Central Bank that he represents deserved no less.”