The Taoiseach indicated he would support Mr Dick Spring for the newly-created post of Secretary General of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for foreign and security policy.
Although Mr Spring's name was not mentioned in exchanges at Question Time between Mr Ahern and the Fine Gael deputy leader, Mrs Nora Owen, the Taoiseach agreed there was an Irish name at least tentatively on the list. Mr Ahern said there would be no formal discussions on the post until possibly the Vienna summit next month.
