Phil Hogan Seeks UN Food and agriculture Organisation Leadership Role
Former Irish Minister for the Environment, Climate and Local Government and European Commissioner for trade Phil Hogan has applied for the position of director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), according to reports. The role,based in Rome,carries a salary of approximately €250,000.
Hogan is one of two Irish candidates vying for the national nomination. His application comes over three years after his resignation as EU Trade Commissioner in August 2020, following controversy surrounding his attendance at a golf event in Ireland during COVID-19 restrictions.The event, dubbed “Golfgate,” prompted widespread criticism and ultimately led to his departure from the European Commission.
Application Process and Timeline
The irish government advertised the opportunity to nominate a candidate earlier this month, with the application window closing on January 23rd. The prosperous irish nominee will then compete against candidates from other nations in a vote scheduled for June 2027. The process for selecting the Director-General is reported to be highly competitive and lacks a guaranteed outcome.
Government Response
The Irish Department of Agriculture has declined to comment on the ongoing selection process. A spokesperson stated that,as the expressions of interest are still being evaluated,the Department is unable to provide further information at this time.
