With poor prices, Mercosur and Brexit all troubling Irish farmers at present, there may be little thought given to the changing of the guard in Brussels.

The newly elected Parliament meets in Strasbourg for the first time next week, where the debatewill focus on who should get the top jobs in Parliament, Commission and Council. So far discussions have ended in stalemate as for the first time the debate takes place in the absence of the powerful UK voice.

Who’s who in the EU?

This time it will take the three main power blocks, to form a majority as opposed to just two last time round. They are the European Peoples Party (EPP), with whom Fine Gael are affiliated, the Socialists / Democrats to which the UK labour party and SDLP from Northern Ireland are affiliated and ALDE, now rebranded as Renew Europe and to which Fianna Fail affiliate.

Irish interest will focus on what role the Irish appointed commissioner will get and whether Mairead McGuinness can secure the Presidency in the EU Parliament. Current Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan is expected to be reappointed and it is likely he will move from agriculture to another senior position in the Commission. Trade has been mentioned but he could also feature in Budget or Competition, as well as a being a vice president.

McGuinness a serious candidate

Mairead McGuinness, fresh from a very successful election campaign, is a strong candidate for Parliament president, having finished runner up in her last attempt. She has a high profile in Brussels and across the EU through her many contributions to the English speaking media on Brexit.

Getting a replacement for President of the Commission Jean Claude Junker and the Council, Donald Tusk is also proving problematic as EU powers wrestle for the positions. The Taoiseach has been mentioned as a wild card candidate for both the Presidency of the Council and the Commission, but it would be a major surprise if he made it beyond the speculation stage.

Why does it matter?

The main interest for Irish farmers is how well appointees to the senior positions are disposed towards agriculture. It was good to have Phil Hogan in agriculture both from a trade deal perspective and defending the CAP. He lost 5% in the budget but a less knowledgeable or interested commissioner would likely have lost even more. If Hogan returns, Irish farmers will still be looking to him to protect them, irrespective of what portfolio he has.

Similarly, Mairead Mc Guinness has long-established links with agriculture and would be an ideal Parliament president. However, it is the committees that are particularly important and having a strong Irish representation there is also important.

The political manoeuvring in Brussels won’t keep farmers awake at night, but is important in shaping support and trade in agricultural produce for the years ahead.