As reported in the Irish media last week, Cox has allegedly been identified by the beleaguered Fianna Fáil-led government as a figure who could guarantee a high-profile portfolio for Ireland in the next Commission, despite the country's precarious position in Europe following the 2008 Lisbon Treaty referendum debacle (EurActiv 13/06/08).
Cox, who previously sat with the Liberal group (ALDE) in the European Parliament, is the only Irishman to have served as chairman of the EU assembly. Originally a member of a rival party to Fianna Fáil in Ireland, he currently heads the European Movement, an international organisation favouring a more federal Europe.
But Fianna Fáil earlier this year announced its intention to leave its current parliamentary group, the Europe of the Nations (UEN), in order to join ALDE after June's European elections, paving the way for a possible Cox nomination. It is believed that leading liberal bigwigs have been lobbying Fianna Fáil leaders to see the benefits of nominating Cox.
Marian Harkin, currently Ireland's only ALDE MEP, told EurActiv that Cox would be an ideal candidate. "He has a great deal of experience in how Brussels works," she said, highlighting that his insider status would be key to "Ireland having as much influence as possible".
Harkin "absolutely" believes Cox's nomination would guarantee Ireland a high-profile Commission portfolio, given the "tremendous job he did as Parliament president".
It is unclear, though, whether Fianna Fáil would really be willing to nominate a non-party member to the Commission. "I'd be surprised if they nominated someone from outside their ranks, no matter how high their profile - they are an extremely tribal organisation," one Irish political expert told EurActiv.
However, Marian Harkin argues that Fianna Fáil leaders, whose ratings are at an all-time low and who will in all likelihood lose badly in the European elections, may be more willing to nominate someone from outside their party if such a move would boost their credentials among the Irish electorate.
"Fianna Fáil are blue in the face telling us in recent weeks how they're working in the national interest, and how they're willing to take the hits in the polls in order to do the right thing. Well, this is an opportunity to do the right thing," she argued.
Government sources contacted by EurActiv refused to be drawn on the issue.
In a recent interview with EurActiv, Cox himself gave a rather equivocal answer when questioned about his desire to return to big-time European politics.
