Mairead McGuinness is a former broadcaster, MEP, European commissioner and Fine Gael candidate for President of Ireland. Photograph: EPAMairead McGuinness will be paid fees and reimbursed for her missions as part of a “high-profile” role as the European Union’s special envoy for religious freedom. However, the European Commission has not said how much she is expected to be paid, saying it is “early” to set out the exact amounts “which will depend on the missions and days worked”. “It is for the members of the college [of commissioners] to identify a special adviser ... for specific purposes. McGuinness was a Fine Gael MEP for many years and served as Ireland’s European commissioner between 2020 and 2024.

Source: The Irish Times March 28, 2026 09:44 UTC