Long-serving Irish politician Phil Hogan has emerged as European Agricultural Commissioner designate.
If the appointment is approved by the European Parliament he will succeed Dacian Ciolos who, despite delivering Cap reform, was not selected and will go down in the history books as a “one-term” Commissioner.
All 28 members of the new European Commission have been nominated by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and all will be considered en bloc by the Parliament in the week commencing September 22.
There is apparently potential for candidates to be withdrawn and replaced, although in the case of the agriculture and rural development portfolio that seems unlikely.
If the approval and confirmation process runs to timetable, NFU Scotland expect Mr Hogan and the other commissioners will take up their posts on November 1.
Mr Hogan was born in Kilkenny in 1960, and his early working life saw him found an auctioneering firm.
He has represented the Fine Gael party for the Carlow and Kilkenny constituency since 1989, but his political career has not been without controversy.
He was appointed Minister of State for Finance in December 1994 but within three months was forced to resign. One of his staff members had leaked budget details to the media, and Mr Hogan was held responsible.
He then became Fine Gael chairman before contesting a party leadership battle eventually won by Enda Kenny.
In August 2011 he was forced to issue a public apology over what was billed as a “crude sexual insult” made during a game of golf to a female aide to Taoiseach John Bruton.
He nonetheless has held down important appointments over the years and cannot be regarded as anything other than an experienced politician.
NFUS chief executive Scott Walker said: “We have a solid track record in developing robust working relationships with all agricultural commissioners over the years, many of whom have taken up invites from NFUS to visit and see first-hand the unique challenges faced by Scottish farmers.
“That was an invitation that was most recently taken up by Commissioner Ciolos, the current incumbent — and provided us with the perfect platform to highlight the impact that elements of the new Cap package, such as greening, would have on our arable producers as well as underlining the importance of coupling to our beef and hill sheep sectors.
“If Phil Hogan officially takes up the role, we will extend a similar invite to visit Scotland and start to build our working relationship with him.
“His Irish roots will ensure he has a good appreciation of the need to have a thriving agricultural industry at the very core of a vibrant food and drink sector.”
SNP MEP Alyn Smith said: “I congratulate Phil on his appointment and applaud Mr Juncker for his good sense in selecting an experienced and knowledgeable politician for this important role.
“Irish and Scottish agriculture share many similarities, and having a commissioner in place who recognises the specific difficulties we face is very welcome.”