Speculation is mounting that Mr Wim Duisenberg will remain in charge of the European Central Bank (ECB) throughout this summer, with a Greek official saying Mr Duisenberg will be asked next week to postpone his planned retirement until September.

This would quell uncertainty at a tense political time over the presidency of arguably the world's second most important central bank until after the June verdict for his designated successor, Bank of France Governor Mr Jean-Claude Trichet.

"It is desirable for Duisenberg to stay on at least until September. From what I know, it was something that everyone wanted, to give the Trichet matter more time to be cleared up," a high-level Greek official has said.

The Department of Finance was reluctant to be drawn on the speculation last night. A spokeswoman said the Minister, Mr McCreevy, believes it is for Mr Duisenberg to decide if he wants to stay beyond his term.

Belgium Finance Minister Mr Didier Reynders said he had no objection to Mr Duisenberg staying on. The ECB succession will be discussed informally at next week's European Union finance ministers meeting in Athens.

Rumours have swirled in the past few weeks that Mr Duisenberg will be asked to stay for several months, or perhaps as long as one year.

This would relieve pressure from politicians who face a tight schedule because a French judge does not decide until June 18th in the Crédit Lyonnais banking scandal.

Mr Trichet is charged with complicity in the publication of misleading accounts at the bank.