Jean-Claude Juncker nominated as EU Commission President
European leaders have confirmed the nomination of Jean-Claude Juncker to the most powerful job in the European Union.
They have agreed that the former Luxembourg Prime Minister should be put forward for the position of President of the European Commission.
He will now go to the European Parliament for confirmation by MEPs before taking over from Jose-Manuel Barroso on November 1st.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny had been linked with the job and remained in contention for the role until recent days.
The decision comes despite the objections of British prime Minister David Cameron, who said Mr. Juncker was the "wrong choice" for the job.
He forced a vote on the nomination, breaking with tradition that the Commission chief is approved by consensus of the EU's national heads of government.
In the end, only Hungary joined Britain in voting against his appointment.
His nomination was announced by European Council President Herman van Rompuy on Twitter.
Decision made. The European Council proposes Jean-Claude Juncker as the next President of the European Commission #EUCO
— Herman Van Rompuy (@euHvR) June 27, 2014
Enda Kenny fully endorsed the candidacy from the early days of his selection for the European Peoples Party (EPP) back in March.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has said he has not decided who Ireland's next Commissioner will be.
But speaking earlier in Dublin, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said she expects Ireland to be given a European Commission job which is critical to our own interests.
