FOUR MINISTERS of State are in the running to replace Willie O’Dea as Minister for Defence, but the Taoiseach is unlikely to make a full Cabinet reshuffle, according to senior political sources.
No date is set for the announcement of Mr O’Dea’s successor and the earliest likely occasion is Tuesday when the Dáil resumes, although Mr Cowen may decide to bide his time.
There is a strong expectation in senior Fianna Fáil circles that the appointment will go to the north Munster area. Having a Minister located in or close to Limerick City is seen as important electorally.
Mr O’Dea’s constituency colleague, Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power, is being mentioned in connection with the Defence portfolio, although this could be seen as a further humiliation for Mr O’Dea.
There is strong speculation that Dr Martin Mansergh, currently Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, could get the job.
Another name featuring strongly is that of Minister of State for Fisheries and Forestry Tony Killeen, whose constituency base is in Clare.
Should the Taoiseach decide to overlook the claims of the Golden Vale area and its environs, close observers believe he might opt for Government Chief Whip Pat Carey, who is already Minister of State for Defence.
Other Ministers of State who could be in for a promotion include Dara Calleary, Conor Lenihan, Dick Roche and Barry Andrews.
A promotion for any of the above would create a slot for a junior minister, and a wide variety of names are seen to be in the running for such a vacancy.
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