Reynolds has confirmed to the Sunday Tribune that he is set to relinquish his right as a former Taoiseach to constant garda protection at his home.

He and his wife Kathleen are selling their large Ailesbury Road home for 15m and moving to one of 24 penthouse 'residences' in the five star hotel, where the Longford man will write his memoirs.

The Reynolds' large redbrick home, along Dublin's embassy belt, currently has a constantly manned Garda hut at the entrance to protect the former Taoiseach.

All former taoisigh are entitled to have a static 24-hour Garda protection post outside their homes. Until now, Garret FitzGerald was the only one to request and secure the removal of the post.

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, Reynolds said, "The question of me having Garda protection outside the Four Seasons Hotel does not even arise."

He added, "It will not be requested and there will be no Garda hut outside the hotel."

The Reynolds are moving into one of the 24 plush residences in the Four Seasons as their current home is "too big for two people".

A spokeswoman for Jones Lang LeSalle, who are handling the sale of the 24 penthouse apartments, said: "We cannot confirm any details of any purchasers at the Four Seasons Residences.

"Garda protection is not an issue as all 24 residences are on the upper level of the hotel and there is high security at the hotel."