The Tanaiste has welcomed the appointment of a woman to the role of EU Foreign Affairs chief.

Baroness Catherine Ashton, a relative unknown on the European political stage, was selected for the position.

Belgian Prime Minister, Herman Van Rompuy, was announced as the bloc’s first President.

US President Barack Obama supported the decision – saying Europe will now be an even stronger partner for the United States.

Speaking to Midlands Radio, Mary Coughlan agreed.

“I congratulate Catherine – Catherine was my opposite number as a trade commissioner” she said.

“She had two very, very good qualities; she always could articulate her point, but she could also bring the room and her colleagues around with her”.

“I think that’s strength in a woman” she added.