Name: Padraig O hUiginn

Age: 75

Background: Mr O hUiginn was widely regarded as Charles Haughey's favourite civil servant during his time as Secretary of the Department of the Taoiseach in the 1980s and early 1990s. Having spent five decades in the public service, he has concentrated since his retirement in 1993 on building his business career. An able administrator with extensive experience and contacts throughout the system, his interests extend from telecoms to the retail trade and the entertainment and tourism sectors.

Why is he in the News: Mr O hUiginn stands to make a substantial profit if Telenor takes over Esat Telecom, of which he is a director and shareholder. He is also a director of Irish International Tourism Outlets, which will be told this month whether it can proceed with a plan to develop a retail park in Co Kildare.

Hobbies:

Erudite and sociable, Mr O hUiginn collects modern art and he is a keen golfer. Acquaintances say he has a sharp wit.