Finance minister candidates considered with McGrath off to Europe

Here, we have a look at the topics set to dominate political debate in the week to come.

Michael McGrath off to Europe

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath is set to be confirmed as Ireland’s next EU Commissioner.

The three Coalition leaders discussed the move on Monday, with approval to come following the Tuesday Cabinet meeting.

With work on the October Budget to intensify in the weeks to come, all attention will turn to Mr McGrath’s successor as Minister for Finance.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin agreed that the decision should be made quickly to give the best chance of an important role for the new Irish commissioner when the new European Commission is confirmed.

Who will be the new Minister for Finance?

Mr McGrath’s replacement is certain to be another Fianna Fáil member.

One option, if the party was looking for maximum experience for the vital role, would be Tánaiste Micheál Martin taking the finance portfolio, leaving a vacancy to be filled in…