The Department of Agriculture must find a new secretary general for the second time in less than four years.

While the process will take some time, the tradition has been for the appointment to be internal.

With that in mind, expect to see Brendan Gleeson to the fore. The Dubliner leads the department’s Brexit and international trade team. Paul Dillon, currently head of the direct payments division is another likely contender, as is Bill Callanan, currently the department’s chief inspector. Don’t rule out Anne Derwin, who spent 13 years in Agriculture House before moving to Foreign Affairs last year.