Brian Cowen’s Front Row Decided – but can we expect any real changes?
Ireland’s 12th Taoiseach has revealed his first Cabinet, with several changes being made, but when it’s all said and done can we expect any real changes from the man critics have promised to be in for “a tough time in the top job”?
Mary Coughlan becomes Tánaiste, while also taking the portfolio of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Brian Lenihan is the new Minister for Finance, while Batt O’Keefe becomes Minister for Education, taking Mary Hanafin’s portfolio. She moves to Social and Family Affairs.
Pat Carey becomes Chief Whip, a move which sees Tom Kitt return to the back benches.
The new Minister for Justice is Dermot Ahern, while his position in Foreign Affairs is taken by Micheál Martin.
Martin Cullen is Minister for Arts Sport and Tourism and Brendan Smith takes Mary Coughlan’s position in Agriculture and Food.
Mary Harney retains her position as Minister for Health as does Willie O’Dea, who stays with Defence. John Gormley and Eamon Ryan see no change, remaining in Environment, and Communications Energy and Natural Resources, respectively.
Noel Dempsey, in Transport, and Eamon Ó Cuív, in Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, also stay put.
Source: RTÉ.ie
Tags: Brian Cowen, Events, Government, Irish Politics, Living in Ireland, news, RTE
