The Taoiseach will this morning nominate a junior minister to Cabinet, move at least three ministers to new portfolios and announce the name of one or more new Ministers of State in the most substantial reshuffle of his team since he became Fianna Fail leader in 1994.
In the last few days Mr Ahern is believed to have told all his Ministers and Ministers of State that if they are not going to contest the next general election he wants them to resign their posts now. This is aimed at giving him maximum scope to promote younger deputies in advance of the next election.
However, it is not known whether any senior or junior ministers have responded to Mr Ahern's request. Minister of State Mr Frank Fahey is tipped for promotion to the Cabinet vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr David Andrews as Minister for Foreign Affairs, although his fellow junior Minister, Mr Martin Cullen, is believed by some sources to be a contender.
The Government Chief Whip, Mr Seamus Brennan, was earlier seen as a strong contender, but Mr Ahern's reliance on him in his present role to maintain relations with the four independent deputies who support the Government may have ended his chances.
Mr Ahern is expected to announce Mr Cowen's widely predicted move to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Mr Micheal Martin's move from Education to replace Mr Cowen at Health. While Dr Michael Woods is widely tipped to move from Marine to replace Mr Martin, this is not seen as certain. Should Dr Woods move, the new Cabinet member is likely to become Minister for the Marine.
Mr Eoin Ryan is tipped as a leading contender for a Minister of State job. The significant number of others mentioned include: Ms Marion McGennis, Mr Sean Ardagh, Ms Mary Hanafin, Mr G.V. Wright, Mr Billy Kelleher, Mr Pat Carey and Mr Brian Lenihan.
Mr Ahern was said last night to be giving final consideration to his plans before he makes his announcements this morning directly after the Order of Business at 10.30 a.m.
There will then be a debate on a Dail motion to approve the nomination of a new member of the Government. This will conclude at 1 p.m., following which the new Minister, the Taoiseach and Ministers changing portfolios will travel to Aras an Uachtarain where the President, Mrs McAleese, will hand the new Minister the seal of office. The Ministers who are moving to new positions already have seals of office but will be handed them again for ceremonial purposes.
During this morning's debate, the Taoiseach will also pay tribute to Mr Andrews.