Emerging picture of new DGX director

Date: 23/10/1997

A clearer picture is beginning to emerge of who will take up the job of director in the newly created 'information network' department of the Directorate-General for information, communication and culture (DGX).

It was originally thought that the post would go to Eduardo Ibañez, currently number two in DGX Commissioner Marcelino Oreja's cabinet.

But Entre Nous has learnt that the favourite now is none other than João Vale de Almeida, who is at present deputy head of the Commission's Spokesman's Service.

Whether De Almeida accepts the post remains to be seen, however. Initial signs suggest that he is not overly enthralled with the prospect of taking up the position.

By way of a consolation prize, it is thought the unlucky Ibañez will be offered the job of head of protocol at the Commission - the department responsible for ensuring that visiting presidents and prime ministers know where to sit at official dinners. That post will become vacant when the current incumbent, Marcello Burattini, retires next year.