Irish PM says Irishman as EU trade chief a "definite advantage"

The appointment of Irishman Phil Hogan to lead the European Union's international trade affairs from November is a "very positive development for Ireland," Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday.

"Commissioner Hogan will of course work for Europe as a whole, but it is a definite advantage to have an Irish person in charge of this crucial brief over the next five years," said Varadkar, who specifically mentioned the EU's post-Brexit trade deal with the United Kingdom.

Ireland is widely seen as the most exposed EU member to the fallout from Britain's decision to leave the bloc.