Mr Dan Flinter was always the odds-on favourite to win the top job in the newly established super-agency, Enterprise Ireland. The 48-year-old career public servant is described as very astute and is generally well regarded within the State sector.

This is the second time in his career he has been selected to head-up a newly created State body.

In 1993, he became chief executive of Forbairt, the agency charged with the development of Irish-owned companies, following a carve-up of the old IDA. His elevation at that time was viewed with some surprise, mainly because of his lack of experience in the indigenous sector. However, the agency has reported strong results as the indigenous sector began to create more jobs.

He came to Forbairt from the IDA, where he had been responsible for attracting foreign investment to the Republic. For the previous four years, Mr Flinter had travelled extensively in his role, which primarily had an international focus.

From Athy, Co Kildare, he went to school at the local CBS. He is said to be the quintessential IDA man. He joined the organisation as a researcher in the planning division in 1973, while he was completing his masters degree in economics at University College Dublin.

He became a senior economist with the organisation in 1979 before promotion to the post of departmental manager for the information technology section. He took overall responsibility for planning in 1986 and was appointed to the IDA board in 1988.

Many in the State sector have noted his keen "political" skills over the years and those who have worked with him say he has always kept a keen eye on how developments at Forbairt were seen in the Department in Kildare Street.

Outside of work he has a passion for the theatre, and has been known to take part in a number of amateur dramatic productions over the years.

He is also a keen sports fan. He ardently follows Shamrock Rovers and also keeps a close eye on the Kildare GAA team's performance. He is married to Joan and they have three children.

From July 1st, Mr Flinter will head up the new agency - Enterprise Ireland - which will include Forbairt, The Irish Trade Board and the industrial training division of FAS. Some would say his appointment would suggest a fully-fledged takeover of the smaller entities by Forbairt.