The Taoiseach is likely to move in the next fortnight to name the Government's candidate for the EU Commission in the expectation that Ireland will receive a plum portfolio as a reward for its stewardship of the EU presidency, writes Arthur Beesley, Political Reporter.
The deadline for nominations is August 27th, but Government sources indicated last night that the Irish nominee could be selected long before that date to ensure the person receives a good portfolio.
With some sources speaking of a selection in mid-July, this is seen as a mark of expectation that Ireland will be rewarded with a powerful portfolio such as agriculture.
This is more attainable than the big economic portfolios being sought by France and Germany in return for their agreement with the nomination of the Portuguese Prime Minister, Mr Jose Manuel Durão Barroso, as Commission president. EU leaders will nominate Mr Barroso as Commission president at a brief special summit today.
They will also reappoint Mr Javier Solana as their foreign and security policy high representative, and formally identify him as "foreign minister-designate", EU sources have indicated.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, has indicated in private he wants the agriculture job, but sources said he would not be a contender for an alternative post.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Mr O'Donoghue, will be considered if agriculture is not available, as will the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, and the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy.
While Mr Ahern has indicated that he will select a Minister for the Commission, sources said a nomination in the next month would not disrupt his plans to reshuffle the Cabinet in the autumn.