[eluser]prestondocks[/eluser]
Thanks for your input. I have not tried this solution yet, but will put it in my tool box and sure it will come in handy at some point.
I listened to the Codeigniter podcast last night issue 3. They were talking about sub classing and I realised this was the best way to go. I will create a sub class that extends controller which will contain the variable and I will make all my controllers extend this sub class.
This will give all my controllers access to that variable and will open up a lot of other options for sharing common data within my application. Hoping it will allow me reduce my code in regards to security and theming.
Thanks