Opposition politicians queried the motivation behind the nomination of Mr McCreevy as EU Commissioner yesterday and raised questions about what it might mean for Government policy.
The Fine Gael deputy leader and finance spokesman, Mr Richard Bruton, said he would question the motivation for the Taoiseach's decision.
"I would like to congratulate Charlie McCreevy on his appointment as EU Commissioner and wish him well.
"However, one would have to be concerned about Ireland appointing someone who made it so clear over an extended period that he did not wish to take up the job. This does beg the question as to why the Taoiseach selected someone who has admitted a lack of interest in the post.
"I would also question the Taoiseach's motive in making this appointment, which seems to be driven more by internal Fianna Fáil concerns than the best interests of the country."
The Labour Party leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, also extended his congratulations to Mr McCreevy and said he wished him well in his nomination. But he added: "His departure will allow Mr Ahern to abandon the damaging and unworkable decentralisation programme as announced by Minister McCreevy.
"I am less confident, however, that the opportunity now presented to implement a more inclusive economic and social policy will be grasped by the Government."
Earlier yesterday Mr Rabbitte urged the Taoiseach to "put an end to the unseemly parade of Ministers either auditioning for the job of European Commissioner, or trying to retain their Cabinet status."
The business lobby group, IBEC, praised the Minister McCreevy's record.
"Charlie McCreevy has been one of the best Ministers for Finance," Mr Turlough O'Sullivan, IBEC's director general, said.
"He kept public finances in order and presided over substantial reductions in both personal and corporate tax.
"He made a major contribution in improving the incentive to work and encouraging people to engage in enterprise activity.
"IBEC wishes him every success in his new role in the EU."