Outgoing European Parliament President, Mr Pat Cox is still in the race to succeed EU Commission President, Mr Romano Prodi, the Taoiseach Mr Ahern said today.
Mr Ahern admitted that Mr Cox was behind some of the main runners but added that he wouldn't rule out his chances. "He is in the race, but I think Pat knows himself he would be behind some of the main runners".
The Belgian Prime Minister Mr Guy Verhofstadt, has been tipped as a frontrunner despite expressing a desire to remain in his current post.
Other leading figures in contention include British External Relations Commissioner, Mr Chris Patten, the Portuguese Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner, Mr Antonio Vitorino. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has ruled himself out.
Mr Ahern said there were one or two people opening up a clear advantage for what he described as a very powerful. " The Financial Timessaid the other day it is like the chief executive of the most powerful organisation in the world," he added.
Speaking on RTE Radio, Mr Ahern also said that it was too early to say if the successor to EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Mr David Byrne, would be drawn from the Cabinet. Mr Byrne has confirmed that he will not seek reappointment to the Commission.
"It is too soon because I think we need to see what the balance is. Naturally enough we want to get a good post for the country as we have always got.
"I have a number of colleagues who would be tremendous Commissioners, there is no doubt about that." "If we are looking for somebody I have to say that within my cabinet there would be top class Commissioners, there is no doubt about that" , Mr Ahern said.
He said he will make that decision with his colleagues in a number of weeks.