Drumm believed to be back in HSE head talks

A SENIOR consultant, who turned down the post of chief executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE), is believed to be back in talks about taking up the position.

Prof Brendan Drumm refused to head-up the new health service because the HSE could not guarantee him a post as professor of paediatrics at UCD when his five-year contract - with the option of an additional three years - expires.

His rejection was a major embarrassment to the HSE and the Government, who announced his selection last April. Their initial choice, deputy chief medical officer of the British NHS, Prof Aidan Halligan, also rejected the post.