CIE to consider selection of new chief executive

CIE will consider replacing its retired chief executive, Mr Michael McDonnell, in the coming weeks, its spokesman said yesterday.

Mr McDonnell resigned on Tuesday after securing a severance package worth more than £420,000 (€533,672).

It is not known whether the transport group's executive chairman, Dr John Lynch, would apply for the position of chief executive if it was advertised. Dr Lynch has worked full-time at the troubled transport company since his appointment last year. He was not available yesterday.

A spokesman for the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, said Dr Lynch would remain in place in the interim. The appointment of a successor to Mr McDonnell was ultimately a matter for the transport group's board.

CIE's spokesman said: "Following Michael McDonnell's retirement, in the coming weeks consideration will be given to making the necessary changes as required." No decision had been taken yet, he added.

Ms O'Rourke's strategy is to separate CIE's three operating companies from the core group so any new chief executive would face a complex administrative task with significant industrial relations implications.