Mr McGrath faces stiff competition in the appointments process, with three other former finance ministers and three former prime ministers up for selection, but former colleagues have said he is “more than capable of doing any job” in Brussels.

Daithí Doolan says he is not concerned by recent figures, and used the jump in support after the 2019 elections as an example.

Sinead Gibney, who is running as a candidate for the Social Democrats, said housing, climate and Gaza have been the three main issues on cavesing.

Grace O'Sullivan, a Ireland South MEP, says many questions she has been asked when canvassing has been on climate.

The Taoiseach will then move on to Poland where he will attend a summit organised by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, at which he's expected to again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.