A Kerry native has pulled out of the running to become the new CEO of the proposed Housing Activation Office.
Brendan McDonagh was believed to be in line for appointment as the new housing tsar.
Housing Minister James Browne had put the Killorglin man's name forward as the preferred candidate.
Brendan McDonagh has told Minister James Browne he no longer wants to be considered for the role of CEO of the new Housing Activation office.
The Nama boss's proposed 430 thousand euro salary sparked controversy, with sources saying Fine Gael blocked his appointment at a Cabinet sub-committee on housing yesterday.
Ahead of Mr McDonagh's decision he didn't want to be in the running, the opposition had hit out at the plan's by Government to give him the high salary.
It means the Housing Minister will have to find someone else to fill the role to head up the new office.
