The former prime minister of Luxembourg has been announced as Fine Gael's candidate for the top job at the European Commission.

Jean-Claude Juncker will be the European Peoples Party candidate, after winning the nomination in Dublin this afternoon.

Mr Juncker tendered his resignation over a scandal involving the country's secret services in 2013.

The former head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers and Europe's longest serving leader had become embroiled in the scandal - involving illegal phone-taps, corruption and even a dodgy car dealership.

At the time the former leader said he may return to public life - within a new political mandate.

Earlier the Taoiseach said the Irish people could be proud of the work they had put in to help rebuild the economy.

He said Europe could learn lessons from Ireland's economic rebound.