HSE’s efforts to replace Tony O’Brien collapse

Efforts to recruit a successor to former HSE chief Tony O’Brien have failed, senior health sources have confirmed.

John Connaghan, interim director-general of the HSE, has told senior staff that he will remain in the post longer than expected and into 2019. Connaghan did not apply for the permanent job.

The move is likely to fuel fears that the forced early resignation of O’Brien has damaged the attractiveness of the senior health post.