Phil Hogan 'not suitable to be EU Agriculture Commissioner'

FINE GAEL former Environment Minister Phil Hogan is not a suitable person to take up the role of EU Agriculture Commissioner, Matt Carthy MEP has said.

Speaking following the European Agriculture and Rural Development Committee hearing on Wednesday, Matt Carthy said Sinn Féin has consistently questioned Phil Hogan's suitability for the role, given his disastrous record as Environment Minister in Ireland.

"Throughout the process of selection Phil Hogan has issued threats of legal action and today failed to answer the questions put to him," he said.

"Rural communities, farmers and the agri-food sector expect more from a commissioner designate than spin. A commissioner designate cannot dodge the difficult questions or set aside parliamentary accountability," he added.

Matt Carthy said Hogan's performance did nothing to change his party's view that Phil Hogan was not an appropriate selection as Agriculture Commissioner.