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Michael McGrath (Irish politician)

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Michael McGrath
McGrath in 2024
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law
Incumbent
Assumed office
1 December 2024
PresidentUrsula von der Leyen
Preceded byDidier Reynders
Minister for Finance
In office
17 December 2022 – 26 June 2024
Taoiseach
Preceded byPaschal Donohoe
Succeeded byJack Chambers
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
In office
27 June 2020 – 17 December 2022
TaoiseachMicheál Martin
Preceded byPaschal Donohoe
Succeeded byPaschal Donohoe
Teachta Dála
In office
May 2007 – November 2024
ConstituencyCork South-Central
Personal details
Born (1976-08-23) 23 August 1976 (age 48)
Cork, Ireland
Political partyFianna Fáil
Spouse
Sarah McGrath
​
(m. 2004)​
Children7
RelativesSéamus McGrath (brother)
Alma materUniversity College Cork
Michael McGrath's voice (2:53)
Interview recorded July 2023

Michael McGrath (/məˈɡræh/;[1][2] born 23 August 1976) is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.[3] He served as Minister for Finance from December 2022 to June 2024. He served as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2020 to 2022. He was a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South-Central constituency from 2007 to 2024.[4][5]

Early life

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McGrath was born in 1976 and grew up in Passage West in Cork. His parents are described as having been non-political.[6] He studied commerce at University College Cork and later qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG and worked subsequently as Financial Controller of RedFM and Head of Management Information and Systems, University College Cork.[7]

Political career

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He was a member of Passage West Town Council from 1999 to 2007, and a member of Cork County Council for the Carrigaline local electoral area from 2004 to 2007.[5] McGrath was first elected to the Dáil in 2007,[5] and subsequently, his brother Séamus was co-opted to his county council seat. Séamus would, reportedly, become McGrath's closest political confidant and secured the largest number of votes in the 2024 Irish Local Elections.[8]

McGrath was one of the few Fianna Fáil TDs to survive their disastrous performance in the 2011 general election.[9] In the aftermath, McGrath became the Opposition Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform but also held the role of Spokesperson for Finance following the death of Brian Lenihan in June 2011.

McGrath represented Fianna Fáil in the Oireachtas delegation that met the Bundestag's Budgetary and European Affairs committees, in Berlin in late January 2012.[10]

At the 2016 general election, McGrath outpolled his party leader Micheál Martin, with whom he shares a constituency.[11][12]

He represented Fianna Fáil in talks on government formation in 2016 and 2020.[13]

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (2020–2022)

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In June 2020, following the formation of a coalition government between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, McGrath was appointed as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

As Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, McGrath was responsible for bringing forward Ireland's €165 billion National Development Plan 2021-2030 and negotiating two public sector-wide pay agreements.[14][15]

He also developed Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (Next Generation EU) and was responsible for the Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund, the development of the Peace Plus Programme, and Ireland's European Regional Development (ERDF) Programmes.[16][17][18]

Minister for Finance (2022–2024)

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McGrath became Minister for Finance on 17 December 2022 as part of a cabinet reshuffle when Leo Varadkar succeeded Micheál Martin as Taoiseach as agreed in the coalition deal between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party.[19]

In Finance Bill 2023, McGrath steered a range of important and complex legislation through the Irish parliament including the transposition of the EU Minimum Taxation Directive.[20]

In 2024 McGrath established two new long-term funds – the Future Ireland Fund, and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund – to underpin the sustainability and resilience of Ireland's public finances into the future.[21]

Budget 2024 introduced a range of income tax reductions and measures to support domestic enterprise.[22]

European Commissioner

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On 25 June 2024, he was named by the government as Ireland's nominee for European Commissioner.[23] He was succeeded by Jack Chambers as Minister for Finance.[24] On 17 September 2024, McGrath was announced as EU Commissioner-designate for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law.[3] He is responsible for the Digital Fairness Act.[25]

Political views and profile

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In a party conference speech in April 2024, McGrath gave an insight into the influences on his political outlook highlighting that as a family “The State was there for us when we needed it,” adding that he was able to go to college with the help of scholarships while many societies around the world would have denied someone like him the opportunity to progress.[26]

He has expressed his support for public expenditure stating "We are a party that believes everyone should have the opportunity to progress irrespective of their background. We believe there should be a safety net for everyone that needs it."[27]

In Government, McGrath established a close working relationship with Fine Gael Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe which was viewed as a key dynamic underpinning the coalition Government.[26]

McGrath has been described by the Phoenix magazine as being on the right wing of Fianna Fáil and as conservative, both socially and economically.[6][11][28] McGrath opposed the removal of Article 40.3.3° from the Irish constitution (which prevented the Oireachtas from legislating for abortion) during the 2018 abortion referendum.[6][11][29]

Following the referendum being passed, McGrath then voted in favour of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, legislation which provided for the introduction of abortion.[30][31]

McGrath has been described as "technocratic" and likened to a civil servant in his approach to politics. His grasp of economics, as well as his attention to detail, have been praised as his strong points.[6][11][32][9]

Before he was nominated European Commissioner, many political commentators had suggested McGrath as a potential contender for the leadership of Fianna Fáil.[12][6][11][33][34]

Personal life

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McGrath has been married to Sarah McGrath since 2004, they met while working as trainees at the same Accountancy firm. They have seven children, five boys and two girls, his family home is in Carrigaline, County Cork.[35]

His brother Séamus McGrath won a seat at the 2024 Irish general election for the same constituency.[36]

References

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  1. ^ "Minister Michael McGrath's Perspective". YouTube. Carne Global Financial Services. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  2. ^ Wells, John C. (2008). Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (3rd ed.). Longman. ISBN 978-1-4058-8118-0.
  3. ^ a b "Michael McGrath announced as new EU justice commissioner". RTÉ News. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Michael McGrath". Oireachtas Members Database. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2009.
  5. ^ a b c "Michael McGrath". ElectionsIreland.org. Archived from the original on 20 May 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Profile: Michael McGrath FF". The Phoenix. 8 February 2018. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  7. ^ Hosford, Paul (25 June 2024). "Michael McGrath — From child entrepreneur to Ireland's next European Commissioner". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  8. ^ "More than 5,000 votes for Cllr McGrath". Cork Independent. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  9. ^ a b McConnell, Daniel (3 October 2020). "Michael McGrath seen by colleagues as ultimate 'safe pair of hands'". The Irish Examiner. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  10. ^ "Oireachtas delegation in Bundestag meeting". RTÉ News. 26 January 2012. Archived from the original on 29 January 2012. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Profile: Michael McGrath". The Phoenix. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  12. ^ a b "OPINION: Was Martin too clever by half supporting abortion?". The Southern Star. 29 January 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2022. You see, his FF running mate, the very personable Michael McGrath, marginally outpolled the leader and, since then, mischievous voices within the ranks of the Soldiers of Destiny have been suggesting that McGrath was the up-and-coming Mr Big and would make a better head honcho than Martin.
  13. ^ McGee, Harry (12 March 2016). "Fianna Fáil's negotiating team for government talks revealed". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 16 May 2016. Retrieved 12 May 2016.
  14. ^ "Govt publishes €165bn National Development Plan". RTÉ.ie. 4 October 2021.
  15. ^ O'Donovan, Brian (7 October 2022). "Unions formally accept public sector pay deal". RTÉ.ie.
  16. ^ "Minister McGrath Welcomes European Commission's Positive Assessment of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan". www.gov.ie. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  17. ^ "Minister McGrath welcomes agreement on EU's Brexit Fund - €1 billion in funding for Ireland". www.gov.ie. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Minister McGrath Welcomes Submission of €1.1bn PEACE PLUS Cross-Border Programme to European Commission". www.gov.ie. 8 April 2022. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  19. ^ Lehane, Mícheál (4 November 2022). "Govt to nominate Donohoe for second term at Eurogroup". RTÉ.ie.
  20. ^ "Minister McGrath notes Ireland's application of effective 15% corporation tax rate for in-scope businesses". www.gov.ie. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  21. ^ "Minister McGrath and Minister Donohoe publish the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024". www.gov.ie. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  22. ^ "Universal social charge will fall to 4% next year as part of budget". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  23. ^ Lehane, Micheál (25 June 2024). "McGrath nominated as Ireland's next European Commissioner". RTÉ News.
  24. ^ Lehane, Mícheál (25 June 2024). "Jack Chambers named new Minister for Finance". RTÉ News. Retrieved 25 June 2024.
  25. ^ "Michael McGrath - Mission letter | European Commission" (PDF). commission.europa.eu. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  26. ^ a b Lehane, Mícheál (24 June 2024). "Rise of Michael McGrath the 'essence of Fianna Fáil'". RTÉ.ie.
  27. ^ "Fionnán Sheahan: Michael McGrath, Fianna Fáil's standby leader, won't get caught out like Fine Gael's Paschal Donohoe". www.independent.ie. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  28. ^ "Profile: Jack Chambers". The Phoenix. 30 July 2020. Retrieved 21 December 2022. Public expenditure minister Michael McGrath is one of the most conservative members of the parliamentary party.
  29. ^ "FF's McGrath to oppose any attempt to legislate for abortion up to 12 weeks". Irish Independent. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  30. ^ Conneely, Ailbhe (23 October 2018). "Second stage of abortion legislation passed by Dáil overwhelmingly".
  31. ^ "Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage – Dáil Éireann (32nd Dáil)". Houses of the Oireachtas. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  32. ^ O'Halloran, Marie (27 February 2016). "Profile: Michael McGrath (FF)". The Irish Times. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  33. ^ O'Connor, Alison (16 December 2022). "Alison O'Connor: McGrath could use his finance role to win party leadership in contest". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 21 December 2022.
  34. ^ Hughes, Craig (15 September 2022). "Majority favour new Fianna Fáil leader by next election". Extra.ie. Retrieved 21 December 2022. There are several contenders in the Fianna Fáil dressing room vying to succeed Mr Martin. Michael McGrath, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is the current favourite.
  35. ^ "Finance Minister: Weekends with my seven children are cherished (and crazy!)". Extra.ie. 8 January 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  36. ^ "Ballot of brothers in election 2024: 'Emotional' McGraths keep Cork South Central in the family". www.businesspost.ie. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
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Political offices
Preceded by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform
2020–2022 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Finance
2022–2024 		Succeeded by
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