Speculation mounts Government to ratify Duffy appointment as AIB chief

DAVID Duffy looks set to be named chief executive at AIB in the next week or so with speculation mounting over the weekend that the Government will ratify his appointment later this week.

Mr Duffy — previously with ING Bank and currently a financial consultant in Singapore — would be something of a rare breed, if appointed, being an Irish-born head of one of the country’s leading banks. His name has been in the frame for some time, but as AIB has been effectively nationalised, his — or any other senior management appointment — has to be approved by the Government.

A Department of Finance spokesperson declined to comment at length on the matter, yesterday, beyond confirming that an application had been lodged with the Department, by AIB, and that the Government could give approval or, at least, strong consideration — later this week.