The Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, is fighting against what his supporters believe is a concerted move within Fianna Fáil to have him moved from his job in response to claims that the Government is seen as too right wing, writes Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent
As the Taoiseach prepares to choose Ireland's next EU Commissioner, probably within the next 10 days, speculation has mounted that he will offer the post to Mr McCreevy in an attempt to move him from the job he has held for seven years.
It emerged yesterday that Mr McCreevy contacted a number of Fianna Fáil backbenchers in recent weeks to argue why he should stay in finance.
This came after a number of backbenchers blamed what they described as a "right-wing" economic approach by the Government for the party's recent poor performance in the local government and European Parliament elections.
Such remarks were seen mainly as criticisms of Mr McCreevy for holding the line against extra spending on health, education and other public services in the run-up to the recent elections.
However despite criticisms, Mr McCreevy also retains strong support among backbenchers.
While Mr McCreevy has publicly said he wants to stay were he is, there is now considerable concern among his supporters about his future.
Sending Mr McCreevy to Brussels would allow for a major Cabinet reshuffle in the autumn, and an attempt to reshape its image in the wake of the poor election results.
While Mr McCreevy would not be expected to accept another Cabinet post, he has not publicly ruled out the Brussels job.
There is also speculation that Mr Ahern could persuade the incoming Commission President to give Mr McCreevy a substantial economic portfolio, something which would not be available to other Irish candidates.
Some 32 TDs and senators have had one-to-one meetings with Mr Ahern since the elections, and a number are believed to have told him they believe the Government must shed its right-wing image.
Aware of the danger, Mr McCreevy personally contacted some of these 32 to argue the case that he should remain in finance.
It is not known whether Mr Ahern has joined those who favour replacing Mr McCreevy.
It is also not known whether the Tánaiste, a strong supporter of Mr McCreevy, would agree to him being moved against his will.
Ms Harney, the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell and Mr McCreevy have recently spoken robustly in defence of the Government's economic approach in response to calls for a change of direction.
Mr McCreevy also arranged to be interviewed on RTÉ recently outlining his plans for the future and insisting that he did not intend to move.
Mr McCreevy's name is among those of five Ministers seen as contenders for the European job. The others are Mr Brennan, Mr O'Donoghue, Mr Walsh and Mr Dempsey.
While Ireland's next Commissioner must be nominated by August 27th, it is likely that Mr Ahern will make his decision known before he goes on a summer break on Wednesday week.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, remains a contender only if the Taoiseach seeks and is offered the agriculture portfolio.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, is seen as having the potential to secure a significant economic portfolio.
In addition there is speculation that Ms Harney would like to move to transport in the reshuffle, and Mr Brennan's appointment would facilitate that.