Michael McGrath said he “will not hesitate to act” when it comes to withdrawing EU countries that have returned to the rule of law if he is confirmed as European justice commissioner.

First Fianna Fáil The finance minister faces a confirmation hearing this morning in European Parliamentwhere a committee of MEPs questions him about his suitability for the post of EU Commissioner.

Mr McGrath is to take up the commission’s mandate covering justice, consumer protection and the rule of law. The role would see him lead the way of the European Commission efforts to take over Hungary, due to the continued erosion of rights and the return to the rule of law of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s right-wing populist government.

Speaking to a committee of MEPs, Mr McGrath said he felt he would be an “honest broker” in dealing with countries when it came to the rule of law. He reiterated that EU funding given to countries must be linked to compliance with EU law.

McGrath said he would “take a look” at the commission’s current powers to penalize member states for breaches of the rule of law.

The former Irish minister said he would also introduce a Digital Fairness Act, which would tackle misleading advertising by social media influencers and apps with addictive designs. The proposed EU legislation would also address the practice of companies making it difficult for customers to cancel subscriptions online, he said.

Europe must guard against attempts by others to interfere in its democratic elections, especially in light of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, he said. Politicians running for election must also be protected from “undue pressures”, especially women who are often targeted in politics, he said.

The Cork man said he would also present a “comprehensive” EU-wide plan to tackle corruption. The commissioner-designate said the time was right for a review of EU civil and company law and would work to strengthen the operation of the European arrest warrant.

After the three-hour hearing on Tuesday morning, a committee of MEPs will vote on whether to confirm Mr McGrath’s appointment to the EU job, with a two-thirds majority needed to pass.

If Mr McGrath does not get a two-thirds majority, MEPs can ask for further answers to the written questions or hold a second hearing. MEPs can also opt for a second vote, where a commissioner only needs a simple majority to pass.