List of European Commissioners from Ireland

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Since Ireland joined the European Economic Community on Jan 1, 1973, the Taoiseach has the right to nominate one member of the European Commission, known as a Commissioner. Commissioners usually serve a term of five years. If the number of members of the Commission is scaled back from the current 25, as part of the proposed European Constitution, or otherwise Ireland's nomination rights may be reduced.

The following table is a list of all nominated Commissoners.

Nom-Year Taoiseach Commissioner Party Commission Portfolio Term Notes
1972 Jack Lynch Patrick Hillery FF Ortoli Commission 1973-1976 Resigned in 1976 to become President of Ireland
1976 Liam Cosgrave Richard Burke FG Jenkins Commission 1977-1980
1980 Charles Haughey Michael O'Kennedy FF Thorn Commission Delegate of the President; personnel and administration;
Statistical Office; Office for Official Publications
1981-1982 Resigned to contest the Feb 82 general election
1982 Charles Haughey Richard Burke FG Thorn Commission Delegate of the President; personnel and administration;
Statistical Office; Office for Official Publications
1982-1984 FG appointed for anticipated electoral gain
1985 Garret FitzGerald Peter Sutherland FG Delors Commission Social Affairs, Competition 1985-1989
1989 Charles Haughey Ray MacSharry FF Delors - Second Agriculture 1989-1993
1993 Albert Reynolds Padraig Flynn FF Delors - Third Employment and Social Affairs 1993-1995
Santer Commission Employment and Social Affairs 1995-1999 Commission term extended in 1997 for 2 more years, commission resigned in 1999
1999 Bertie Ahern David Byrne FF Prodi Commission Health and Consumer Protection 1999-2004
2004 Bertie Ahern Charlie McCreevy FF Barroso Commission Internal Market and Services 2004-2009