European Union leaders have named the former Dutch prime minister, Mr Wim Kok, as the head of an Employment Taskforce aimed at improving European employment policies, writes Denis Staunton in Brussels.
The move follows days of speculation that the job would go to the former attorney general and EU Commissioner, Mr Peter Sutherland.
Diplomats suggested this week that Mr Sutherland was the favourite for the job but last-minute lobbying by Greece, which holds the EU Presidency, appears to have swayed opinion in favour of Mr Kok.
Both Mr Kok and the Greek prime minister, Mr Costas Simitis, belong to European socialist parties.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern welcomed Mr Kok's appointment, describing the Dutch politician as an old friend.
Mr Sutherland has not made any public comment on the speculation surrounding him and Mr Ahern said he was not certain if the former Competition Commissioner was available for the job.
"Needless to say, Peter Sutherland would have been extremely qualified and would have made a first-class contribution. He would have been a superb person," the Taoiseach said.
The taskforce will have a mandate for one year to propose measures that EU governments could implement quickly to boost employment and improve productivity.
Mr Kok will report to EU leaders at next year's spring summit, which will be held during Ireland's EU Presidency.
