Speculation is mounting about the job that lies ahead for Maire Geoghegan Quinn, after she was named Ireland's nominee for the European Commission.

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced yesterday she was his choice to succeed Charlie McCreevy in February.

The former Cabinet minister will leave a post with the European court of auditors for the new job.

The Government has remained tight-lipped on the specific area that Ms Geoghegan Quinn will be responsible for.