The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, has been chosen by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to take over the deputy leadership of Fianna Fáil following the departure of Ms Mary O'Rourke.
The Taoiseach's decision will no doubt raise speculation that Mr Cowen may be his current choice to succeed when he finally decides to relinquish the party leadership.
The appointment of the Laois/Offaly TD will be hugely popular with the party's organisation, even though the role of deputy leader is entirely ceremonial. The decision was made despite some last-minute speculation that the job would go to either the Minister for Finance, Mr McCreevy, or the Minister for Arts and Sport, Mr O'Donoghue.
However, Fianna Fáil sources expressed bemusement at the speculation about Mr O'Donoghue and Mr McCreevy:
"Frankly, it would have been a surprise if it had gone to anyone other than Brian," said one TD.
"Brian is held with very high regard throughout the Fianna Fáil organisation and has gained vast experience over the past number of years in the Irish electoral system," said the Taoiseach.
Paying tribute to Ms O'Rourke, who served as deputy leader for eight years, Mr Ahern said she had made "a very valuable contribution" to the party's development both in opposition and in power.
Yesterday she was nominated by Mr Ahern to fill a place in the Seanad. "We have enjoyed a close working relationship, which will continue with playing a meaningful role for Fianna Fáil in the Seanad," he said.
He said Mr Cowen had "a proven track record" in a number of significant government departments. "I look forward to us working together with the party organisation to ensure that Fianna Fáil remains the country's largest and most vibrant political organisation."
Mr Cowen was first elected to the Dáil in 1984 on the death of his father, Ber. He has also served in Health and Children, Transport, Energy and Communications and Labour.
