Bord Gais is not discussing terms with any candidate for the vacant position of chief executive, its chairman, Dr Michael Conlon, said yesterday. While the company had planned to appoint a successor to Mr Philip Cronin before he retired on July 14th, Dr Conlon claimed the process of appointing a new chief executive was "not unduly long". But, he conceded, "these things are never easy".

He declined to comment on a report which said the chief executive of Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC), Mr Paddy Power, would be appointed. It is believed discussions with Mr Power took place, although they are no longer continuing. The timing of Mr Power's possible release from his INPC contract is believed to have been a critical issue in the talks.

Mr Power was a high-ranking candidate for position of chief executive at ESB, when it last became vacant in 1997. The position at Bord Gais, advertised last February, commands a salary of £130,000-£150,000. Pending an appointment, Bord Gais's chief financial officer, Mr Eamonn Nicholson, will be acting chief executive.