Bertie Ahern has signalled that Portuguese leader Durao Barroso is poised to become the president of the European commission.

The Irish prime minister said he would invite Barroso, a Conservative, to take up the post - which comes with a €1 million a year salary.

The likely appointment follows a stalemate amongst European leaders charged with finding a replacement for Romano Prodi.

Ahern issued a statement confirming the appointment on Sunday.

EU leaders are expected to back the appointment at a specially convened council meeting on Tuesday.

"There is very strong support for his candidature. I have one or two more colleagues to speak to and then I will issue a statement later on today," he said ahead of his statement.

Britain had opposed the appointment of Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt.

Meanwhile France stood firm in opposing the appointment of external affairs commissioner Chris Patten.

Ahern himself was said to have been a potential candidate, although he signalled his intention to remain in Dublin.