Gerry Howlin, adviser to the Minister for Tourism James McDaid, was interviewed by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for a job in his department this week and will move there shortly. Howlin, while not exactly replacing Jackie Gallagher, who concentrated on economics, will have a brief across the press and PR area with particular emphasis on identifying and smoothing out difficulties that may arise between the coalition partners. McDaid was in the thick of the breakdown in relations between Ahern and Tanaiste Mary Harney earlier this month - since he was in Donegal with Harney when the conflict blew up - so he has a keen appreciation of the need for increased cross-party liaison. He told Quidnunc he has great regard for Howlin, was flattered that the Taoiseach would poach someone from his department and believes it will help cement the friendship between the two parties.