The Taoiseach will announce the appointment on Wednesday and Haughey's name tops most lists, but Bertie Ahern has said three names are under consideration. Haughey's prospects may be hampered by the publication of an interim report from the Moriarty tribunal this week which will focus on his late father, Charles Haughey.

Other names mentioned for promotion include Pat Carey (Dublin North West), Sean Ardagh (Dublin South Central) and Denis O'Donovan (Cork South West).