The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, has warned against moving Mr McCreevy from the Department of Finance in the forthcoming Cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking in Brussels, where he was attending a meeting of EU agriculture ministers, Mr Walsh described Mr McCreevy as the most successful finance minister in Europe, and one of the most outstanding in Ireland since the foundation of the State.
"The Minister for Finance is
the cornerstone of the whole government. You need an exceptional person in that Department, and I believe McCreevy has been exceptional.
" It wouldn't seem to make a great deal of sense to have the most successful finance minister in Europe moved. I think he should stay where he is."
Mr Walsh said that, despite
last month's election results, voters were aware that the Government's economic record was excellent by any standards.
He suggested that voters used the European and local elections to protest against the governing parties over non-economic issues without wishing to change the Government.
The Minister said he had given no thought whatsoever to the prospect of becoming a European Commissioner, adding that it was important for the country to secure an influential post.
"It is an extremely important decision for the country and the Government. It is a serious
matter, and it should be taken seriously. Ireland should seek
to obtain an influential, prestigious and important position."
By moving Mr McCreevy from finance, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, would create a vacancy in the most senior Cabinet post bar Taoiseach, thus allowing for a major change in personnel in the top jobs.
In addition, it could be portrayed as a move to cast off the "right-wing" tag that has been attached to it by shifting the man most associated with the past seven years of economic policy.
The Taoiseach's view is unknown. It is conceivable that
he has secured a powerful economic portfolio from the incoming European Commission President on condition that he send his Minister for Finance to take it.
However if Mr McCreevy says no, it is hard to see Mr Ahern moving to force him out.
The announcement should be made next week, probably on the eve of the Taoiseach's departure for the racing festival in Galway.