The ESB's chief executive, Mr Ken O'Hara, has reached no new arrangement to remain at the State power company, it is understood. His position will be considered at a board meeting next Tuesday, writes Arthur Beesley.

A large number of board members are understood to have expressed very serious concerns about the management of the company in a review conducted by its new chairman, Mr Tagdh O'Donoghue. It is still unclear, however, whether this will prompt a confidence motion when the directors meet.

Despite the concerns of board members, it is thought they will be asked to instruct Mr O'Hara to stay on at the company to concentrate on the significant industrial relations issues facing it. Such an analysis would suggest that a vote against Mr O'Hara's continuation in office would lead to a damaging hiatus.

It is thought Mr O'Hara's ultimate successor would be appointed from within the company, but there is fear that a competition for the post of chief executive would deflect senior managers from their core duties.

Certain directors are understood to have expressed surprise at a report that said Mr O'Hara had secured his position.