Fine Gael Front Bench
Harry McGee
A few surprises. Catherine Byrne, Sean Barrett are the principal ones. Leo Varadkar has survived as has Fergus O’Dowd and Simon Coveney. All three have been given decent portfolios. Phil Hogan is where he was. Like Paul Kehoe, does that suit him? Or was he disappointed that James Reilly was given the deputy job.
Michael Noonan is the most interesting appointment. I think he’ll excel. Richard Bruton will be good in enterprise particularly as the ‘economic planning’ role is tagged on. That’s what he loves most.
Enda Kenny Leader and Northern Ireland
James Reilly Deputy Leader and Health and Children Michael Ring Social Protection
Alan Shatter Justice and Law Reform
David Stanton Defence
Sean Barrett Foreign Affairs
Richard Bruton Enterprise, Jobs, Economic Planning
Paul Kehoe Chief Whip (including political reform)
Catherine Byrne Older Citizens
Simon Coveney Transport
Deirdre Clune Innovation and Research
Jimmy Deenihan Tourism, Culture & Sport
Andrew Doyle Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Frank Feighan Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs
Charlie Flanagan Children
Phil Hogan Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Michael Noonan Finance
Fergus O’Dowd Education and Skills
John Perry Small Business
Leo Varadkar Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Frances Fitzgerald Leader in Seanad
