Patrick James

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

Bertie Ahern has been asked to re-route the M3 motorway away from the Hill of Tara as one of his last acts in office.

A petition containing almost 40,000 names was handed into the Department of the Taoiseach which urged him to reconsider the route of the Co Meath motorway which, it is claimed, could destroy heritage.

Source: TaraWatch

Mary Harney has a lot to answer for – that’s a fact! Recently, I had misfortune to visit my local A&E (accident & emergency) department in Beaumont hospital. I must admit that I didn’t quite realise how bad the standard of healthcare in Ireland really was – at its best point it was fair but for the most part it was poor. I wasn’t well but I’m very glad I wasn’t really sick! Firstly, let me state that the men and women working in the unit are fantastic human beings, working with very little as regards resources. When I made my visit it was quiet and not under the pressures of a hectic Saturday night, but even then it was apparent that they were understaffed and under-resourced. There was possibly only a dozen people needing treatment but yet the waiting time was approximately three hours (minimum)… which is unacceptable. How Mary Harney can justify anyone having to work in those conditions is beyond me – and how she can expect to justify miserable Irish healthcare is criminal – she should be ashamed to show her face in public. She should be stepping down as Minister for Health!