Kerry political scientist says Phil Hogan’s departure is a blow to Ireland

Phil Hogan’s departure as EU Trade Commissioner is a blow to Ireland, according to a Kerry political scientist.

Professor Brigid Laffan, who’s from Cahersiveen, is Director and Professor at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute in Florence.

She’s also Director of the Global Governance Programme and of the European Governance and Politics Programme.

She says Phil Hogan worked well in the position, but notes society is in a fragile and vulnerable place and his position became untenable.