The former Supreme Court Judge, Mr Hugh O'Flaherty, described his nomination yesterday to the vice-presidency of the European Investment Bank as "a signal honour and a fresh challenge".
He declined to comment further to The Irish Times, saying it would not be in keeping with protocol to speak about the nomination before it had been ratified by the European institution.
Mr O'Flaherty's name is to be submitted at the annual meeting of governors of the bank on June 5th. Ratification is expected to be a formality.
Mr O'Flaherty added he did not wish to comment on any matter relating to his resignation as Supreme Court judge in April last year.
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He said he would be available to talk once the new appointment had been confirmed.