Phil Hogan faces an uphill battle in his bid to become the next European Commissioner.

Mr Hogan, who was nominated for the post by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on Friday, faces opposition from the majority of Ireland's MEPs.

Independent MEPs Nessa Childers, Luke "Ming" Flanagan, and Marian Harkin are all opposed to Mr Hogan's candidacy, according to the Sunday Times.

Sinn Fein's three MEPs are also opposed to Mr Hogan's candidacy.

They want Mr Hogan to be questioned about recent controversies surrounding his tenure as Environment Minister, when he comes before a hearing of MEPs.

However, the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, said he expects Phil Hogan to be appointed.

"I expect he will put forward a very good case as to why he is the best person for the role - which I genuinely believe he is," Donohoe said.

"They're democratically entitled to put that view forward … I'm confident and I hope … that he will get that role."