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MINISTER FOR FINANCE Paschal Donohoe has announced that a decision has been made to withdraw Central Bank governor Philip Lane as a candidate for the role as vice-president of the European Central Bank.
He said that Lane was being withdrawn from the running so as not to be a “source of disagreement” among member states of the EU.
Lane had originally won the backing of a key European Parliament committee but will now not contest for the position, with Spain’s economy minister Luis De Guindos set to take the role.
The Eurogroup meeting today considered nominations for the post of ECB vice president, with De Guindos to be formally given the role later this week.
Addressing reports last month, Minister Donohoe said that Lane had “served the Central Bank with distinction”, was “eminently qualified for the role” and deserved the support of other EU finance ministers.
Donohoe said in a statement today that he had received “very positive feedback and expressions of support” from member states on Lane’s credentials for vice president, and called him an “exceptionally well-qualified candidate” who would’ve been an “ideal person” to take the job.
The Minister went on: “However, I believe that it is crucial that the election of a new vice-president for the ECB is based on consensus, ad should not be a source of disagreement
In that context, I have decided that, on balance, it would be in the interests of the Euro-area as a whole to withdraw Philip’s candidacy in advance of any vote.
After talking to both Lane and De Guidos, it had appeared Lane was in pole position to land the job. EU Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs chairman Roberto Gualtieri said that in an informal hearing “the majority of the political groups considered Governor Lane’s performance more convincing”.
“Some groups expressed reservations for Minister De Guindos’ appointment,” he added in a statement.
Donohoe closed his statement by congratulating De Guindos and said he has “an excellent track record” in Spain.
He added: “I also wish to reiterate my appreciation to Professor Philip Lane for putting himself forward as a candidate, whose ability and expertise was widely praised throughout the process.”
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Its very simple to see tell the difference….the southern Mr Tayto had an amusement park for all to enjoy….the Mr Tayto up north just says no to everything
@Dave Ryan: Also,Southern Mr.Tayto says “Top of the mornin!” whilst Northern Mr.Tayto says “What about ya!”
White bread, slice of cheese, bag of Tayto perfect
@Ronan Lawler: kerry gold butter
@joe celtic 1888: Barrys tea and Avonmore milk to wash it down.
@Ronan Lawler: No cheese! Fresh white bread, proper butter and Tayto Cheese & Onion!
@Ronan Lawler: Fresh white bread, mayonnaise and Tayto Chesse & Onion, lovely!!
No comparison. The real tayto is in the Republic. No comparison with the foreign brand. Of course when there is a United Ireland a new protocol will have to be signed. Let’s see what the dup will do. Boycott I think would be the best option.
@John Flanagan: only one of them is Irish
Could they not just put a bowler hat and sash on the northern Mr Tayto so we can tell them apart.
@Fr. Fintan Stack: Maybe only serve Coca Cola with Southern Tayto and Fanta Orange with Northen Iron Tayto
There is no such place as The Republic of Ireland
@Larry Ryan: …..sorry about this…but…..”Geopolitically, Ireland is divided between the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland), an independent state covering five-sixths of the island, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom”
There has to be a way to work in both ‘King’ crisps, and Red Hugh O’Donnell’s crisps into this conversation #taytogato
@Phil O’ Meara: That would be fantastic if it could happen,Phil. Hopefully it’ll all be Hunky Dory in the end
@Larry Betts: wouldn’t that be the real McCoys?
Well played Tom.
“The Irish brand is currently owned by German food company Intersnack”… lol, not suprised.
Technically Tom is right..
Nordi Tayto has a ‘gone off’ taste yuck
have your say