Former Ahern aide to be Cowen's special advisor

The Taoiseach’s former aide is to begin working with the Tánaiste from next month, it emerged tonight.

Political sources believe the key appointment is designed to groom Brian Cowen for his expected transition as head of the Government.

Civil service veteran Joe Lennon had been Special Advisor to Bertie Ahern until he moved to work for the Health Service Executive in 2006.

Approval was sought at the weekly Cabinet meeting today for Mr Lennon’s appointment as Mr Cowen’s Special Advisor.

Mr Lennon was also a former Government Press Secretary during Mr Ahern’s first term.

Last June the Taoiseach personally anointed Mr Cowen as his chosen successor which was seen as a very unusual strategy by other potential contenders for the top job.

Cabinet ministers Dermot Ahern, Mary Hanafin, Brian Lenihan and Micheál Martin are believed to be interested in running for the position when a vacancy arises.