Few surprises in Noonan's first shadow cabinet

Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan has appointed Mr Jim Mitchell as his deputy and as spokesperson on Finance. Mr Mitchell ran against Mr Noonan in the recent leadership battle.

Mr Noonan, as well as leader, will act as the party's spokesman on Northern Ireland.

His other rival in the leadership contest, Mr Enda Kenny, was left off the Fine Gael front bench as was former deputy leader of the party Mrs Nora Owen, who was also a staunch supporter of former leader Mr John Bruton.

But Mr Brian Hayes, another Bruton supporter, has been given the portfolio Social and Community Affairs.

Fine Gael's new shadow cabinet is as follows:

• Michael Noonan TD, Leader
• Jim Mitchell TD, Deputy Leader and Finance
• Alan Dukes TD, Agriculture, Marine and Natural Resources
• Jim O'Keeffe TD, Foreign Affairs
• Jim Higgins TD, Public Enterprise and Tourism
• Charles Flanagan TD, Enterprise, Trade, Employment and local Development
• Gay Mitchell TD, Health
• Alan Shatter TD, Justice and Security
• Frances Fitzgerald TD, Equality, Opportunity and Family Affairs
• Dinny McGinley TD, Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and The Islands
• Brian Hayes TD, Social and Community Affairs
• Deirdre Clune TD, Environmental and Consumer Protection
• Michael Creed TD, Education and Youth Affairs
• Olivia Mitchell TD, Housing and Local Government
• Gerry Reynolds TD, Western Development
• Richard Bruton TD, Director of Policy