Irish Central Bank governor Philip Lane looks set to become the next chief economist at the European Central Bank after his name was the only one put forward for the role.
The term of the ECB's current chief economist, Peter Praet, ends on 31 May and euro zone member states had previously been asked to submit nominations for his replacement.
The call for submissions ended today, with Eurogroup Mário Centeno saying that Mr Lane's was the only name he received.
His nomination will now be discussed at a Eurogroup meeting next month, after which it will be voted on by European finance ministers.
Their recommendation will then be taken to the European Council, which will make a final decision by 22 March.
The role of chief economist is an eight-year term based in Frankfurt and is the latest senior ECB role to become available.
In February 2018 Mr Lane lost out to Spain's Luis de Guindos in a bid to become the bank's vice president.
Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe has said he is "delighted" to hear Mr Lane is standing unopposed for the role.
In a statement, the minister said: "Philip is an exceptionally well qualified candidate and I have every confidence would do an exemplary job if appointed to the role'.
Late last year the Irish Central Bank's deputy governor, Sharon Donnery, missed out on becoming the next chair of the ECB's banking supervision arm.
Meanwhile Mario Draghi is due to finish his term as ECB president in October, with a nominations for his replacement set to be sought in the coming months.
