The president of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, has confirmed that he will stand in the European election in June.
A spokesman for the independent MEP said Mr Cox was working to the timetable which will see nominations close on May 17th. While Mr Cox retains an outside chance of securing the Irish nomination to the commission, the possibility is said by Government insiders to be slim.
Informed observers believe Mr Cox's best chance of a nomination would be as compromise candidate for head of the commission if the major EU powers such as France and Britain could not agree on a nomination.
However, other senior observers believe Mr Cox's lack of executive experience would militate against him securing the post.
