Ireland's member of the European Court of Auditors, Mr Barry Desmond, has written to the Taoiseach to say that he does not want to be reappointed at the end of his term of office in mid-February next year.
Mr Desmond (64) says he intends to return to Ireland and an active public life, and to publish a book of memoirs and reflections in March of next year.
When asked if this was his retirement, he said: "No way." He says he will be "not be seeking, wanting, or accepting any lucrative personal directorships." He expects to be involved in a voluntary, non-elected capacity in either or both politics and EU issues.
The former Dun Laoghaire TD, Labour deputy leader, minister for health and then MEP, has spent 11 years in Europe, six latterly in the court which supervises the Union's spending. The Luxembourg-based auditor's position, on a post-tax salary and expenses package of some £120,000 a year, is regarded as one of the plum appointments in a government's gift. The succession will certainly be contested.
Should the Government remain in office until the year's end and see a Fianna Fail supporter appointed to the European Commission, it is likely the auditor's post will be regarded as a Progressive Democrat nomination.
Speculation has already begun that Mr Des O'Malley might fit the bill. In the ranks of the Opposition, should it be governing, the chairman of the Dail Public Accounts Committee and European candidate, Mr Jim Mitchell, if unsuccessful in the latter, is likely to stake a claim.
Mr Desmond describes his years working in the EU "in the national interest" as "utterly fascinating". His only regret was that the next 10 years could see yet more exciting developments in the Union as its economic consolidation gives way to political consolidation and the "challenge of creating peace and security". Asked if his book will be "kiss and tell", Mr Desmond said: "I'm afraid, after what has appeared recently, it will be utterly mundane."
