With Tom Moran due to step down as the secretary general of the Department of Agriculture this month, the process to select a successor is continuing. Initial interviews have been concluded and a shortlist is being drawn up for a final interview stage with the Government’s top-level appointments committee

Informed speculation suggests only one of the internal candidates from the Department of Agriculture will be on the shortlist, believed to be three-strong. That candidate is Aidan O’Driscoll, and I have no reason to change my view, expressed here in October, that he is the leading candidate for the role. His portfolio of responsibilities as assistant secretary – EU and international trade, CAP, rural development, economics and planning, climate change and bio-energy policy – give him insight into all the major policy areas.

The lead negotiator for Ireland in a CAP reform deal that has been well received, O’Driscoll has a deep understanding of big-picture macro issues around farming.

Other internal candidates such as Paul Dillon, Brendan Gleeson and Kevin Smyth may get another opportunity to apply for the position if O’Driscoll is successful – all are young enough to succeed him. Ann Derwin could also be a serious contender next time around.

Minister Simon Coveney will host a dinner in Tom Moran’s honour on Thursday. We join those present in wishing him the very best.