The Government has decided to nominate Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf for a second term, following heightened speculation in recent times over whether he would seek to open a competition to find a new head of the authority. “I am pleased to announce the Government has agreed to nominate Mr Gabriel Maklhouf for reappointment as Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland,” said Harris. “Mr Makhlouf is eminently qualified to perform the role of Governor of the Central Bank and the Government was pleased to support his nomination for reappointment.”Makhlouf is the first Central Bank governor to be reappointed since former incumbent John Hurley in March 2009, before retiring later that year and succeeded by Patrick Honohan. There has been degree of speculation in recent months in both political and regulatory circles about whether Makhlouf (66) wanted a second term – or whether Harris might take an opportunity to appoint an individual to lead the bank. “During his first term, Mr. Makhlouf introduced reforms and enhancements that have strengthened the Central Bank and will continue to positively impact its performance.

Source: The Irish Times March 03, 2026 13:38 UTC