Ireland To Seek Economic Post in Commission

Dublin is to seek one of the most important portfolios in the new European Commission for its new man in Brussels -- Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy. According to The Irish Times, Prime Minister Bertie Ahern will this weekend ask the incoming Commission president, José Manuel Durao Barroso, for either the economic and monetary affairs portfolio or competition.These two influential posts are currently occupied by a Spaniard and an Italian. If Dublin were to put in a bid for the competition portfolio it would be in direct conflict with Paris which is reportedly seeking that post for its commissioner. (EUobserver.com)