Phil Hogan says he will not be pushing an Irish agenda in Europe. Ireland's new European Commissioner says he has to wear the European jersey now that he has been nominated as the new EU Commissioner for Agriculture.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny meanwhile says he is delighted with Mr Hogan's nomination.
In a statement this afternoon, Mr Kenny says the decision is testament to the considerable experience and abilities of the former environment minister.
"There are serious challenges ahead. The most immediate task will be to ensure that the reformed CAP arrangements, due to enter into force next year, are implemented smoothly and sensitively. But the challenges do not end there. We are seeing how geo-political developments can unexpectedly affect the agri-food sector. There are both risks and opportunities arising from the current trade negotiations. And probably the greatest long-term challenge of all is to make agriculture environmentally sustainable," Mr Kenny said.
"Phil Hogan's broad political experience will also equip him to make a significant contribution to the work of the Commission as a whole and to promote a Europe which puts the real needs of its people first," he added.
The proposed appointment of the former Fine Gael TD for Carlow-Kilkenny was confirmed in Brussels earlier by the new President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.
His nomination will have to be ratified in the coming weeks by members of the European Parliament.
Mr Hogan told Newstalk Lunchtime that he will have a balanced view about what is good for the European Union.
Meanwhile the head of press and media at the European Union office in Dublin is to head up the cabinet of Mr Hogan.
Peter Power, a native of Kilmeedy in Co Limerick, will have the support of over 1,000 staff in the administration of EU agriculture policy over the next five years.
He has originally worked for EU commissioners Peter Mandelson and Chris Patten in Brussels.
Mr Power says there are a number of challenges facing agriculture and rural life in the coming years.
All of the new announcements feature on the European Commission site here.
