The Portuguese Prime Minister, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, is expected to decide today whether or not he will accept the position of president of the European Commission.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has been actively engaged in the search for Romano Prodi's successor in his capacity as European Council President.
Mr Ahern said he is 'as confident as he can be' that he will be in a position to name a new president next week.
Mr Barosso has the backing of the EPP, the largest grouping in the European Parliament, and may succeed Mr Prodi after higher profile names failed to secure sufficient support.
