Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted that there is no vacancy at the top of the International Monetary Fund so the suggestion that Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe might be interested in the role does not arise at the moment.
He said he spoke to the Minister last night and Mr Donohoe said his intention is to run again for the Dáil and to stay on as President of the Eurogroup.
"There isn't a vacancy... When it arises, if it arises, that is the only point when anything comes into consideration. It's just speculation at this stage."
Mr Varadkar also said that the current managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, had not yet indicated whether she might seek a second term.
He said Mr Donohoe had indicated he did not know where the story is coming from although Mr Varadkar agreed that there is always speculation.
Asked about the fact that Mr Donohoe has not denied that he may be interested in the role, Mr Varadkar said the Minister was not a candidate and there is no vacancy and there is no campaign.
Speaking in Dubai after his COP28 address yesterday, the Taoiseach praised Mr Donohoe and said the Minister refuted the story.
"Pascal Donohoe is one of the most capable politicians in the country by a mile and he's internationally recognised for his work," Mr Varadkar said.
"I think he'd be an excellent managing director of the IMF, but that's not what he's interested in. He's interested in staying on as President of the Eurogroup and also contesting the next Dáil election in the Dublin Central constituency."
A spokesperson for Mr Donohoe said on Friday evening that he is "fully focused on his current work and responsibilities in Ireland and as President of the Eurogroup".
The spokesperson added that Mr Donohoe is "committed to serving his full mandate in Europe and will also be a candidate in the next election in Ireland".
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters today, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he "wouldn't be surprised" if people feel Paschal Donohoe would be a very good candidate for the head of the IMF.
Mr Martin said he would not be in a position to rule anything out, adding that the speculation reflects on the ability of Paschal Donohoe and how well respected he is internationally.
