Minister of State for Food Trevor Sargent has indicated that he is in the running to succeed John O'Donoghue as ceann comhairle and is "very interested in the position".
The new ceann comhairle is due to be announced in the Dáil tomorrow following the resignation of John O'Donoghue.
"Yes there has been discussion but I'm sure there's been discussions with many people," the former Green Party leader said at the Anuga food trade fair in Cologne today.
The Taoiseach refused to be drawn on the possibility of Mr Sargent's candidacy this evening.
Asked to comment as to whether he thought Mr Gormley would make a good ceann comhairle, Mr Cowen said: "Well obviously as leader of the Fianna Fáil party, I'd have some people in my own party who would be eminently suitable also."
Earlier, Mr Sargent said he had the support of his party in seeking the post. "Only this morning coming from the airport in Dusseldorf John Gormley rang me about it. So discussions are ongoing," he said today.
The Dublin North TD said the position was not "at the top of the agenda" in the Programme for Government discussions last weekend. "It was nonetheless something in my mind that I would love to see develop. But I can't pre-empt what the Taoiseach will decide."
Mr Sargent also spoke of what he would bring to the role, including an increase in the use of Irish. "I was cathaoirleach in my local authority area, I feel I could do a good job. I think I'd probably add more Irish to the job as a result and I think that would be good for everybody," he said.
"One always loves a challenge" he added.
Mr Sargent said he would obviously be "sad" if he was unable to continue his role as minister for food and horticulture. "It's a job that I feel is very important for Ireland and which I love personally," he said.
Mr O'Donoghue will make a formal statement of resignation when the Dáil resumes tomorrow and the House will then adjourn for 15 minutes. At approximately 3pm, nominations for the position will be invited. Fine Gael and Labour are not expected to put forward candidates.