Ahern appoints new Cabinet

The Taoiseach has announced his new Cabinet, with the appointment of five new ministers

The Taoiseach has announced his new Cabinet, with the appointment of five new ministers. Mr Ahern was earlier re-elected by the 29th Dáil by 93 votes to 68.

The wide-ranging changes that were mooted by and large failed to materialise, although a number of Cabinet members have been relegated to the backbenches.

Of note, Mr Seamus Brennan is to head the newly-formed Department of Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey takes over as Minister for Education and Mr John O'Donoghue moves to the new Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

Ms Mary Harney remains as Tánaiste and continues her role as Minsiter for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen, Minister for Finance Mr McCreevy and the Minister for Agriculture Mr Walsh have retained their positions. So too has the Minister for Defence Mr Michael Smith.

The Justice portfolio goes to Progressive Democrat Mr Michael McDowell, while Ms Mary Hanafin will take over as Chief Whip. Mr Rory Brady has been appointed as Attorney General.

Those who lost out are Mr Michael Woods, Mr Frank Fahey, Ms Síle de Valera and Dr Jim McDaid.

The House held its first meeting this morning since it was dissolved on April 25th. The Dáil first elected Mr Rory O'Hanlon as Ceann Comhairle, succeeding outgoing speaker Mr Seamus Pattison.

A new Programme for Government was agreed earlier this week after days of negotiations between Fianna Fáil and the PDs, as the two parties resume the Coalition that began five years ago.

Among the key policies, the new Government has promised to deliver on is its commitment to keep down personal taxation, despite pressure on the public finances and a commitment to significant spending increases in a number of departments such as health.

Among the most controversial aspects of the new administration's policy will be the development of national sports stadium and the creation of a body to oversee the Garda.

In the May 17th General Election Fianna Fáil earned 81 seats, Fine Gael 31, Labour 21, the Progressive Democrats eight, the Green Party won six seats, Sinn Féin won five, the Socialist Party 1 and Independents 13.