The incoming Ministers of State
MICHAEL FINNERAN
Position:Minister of State with special responsibility for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Age:60
Constituency:Roscommon-South Leitrim
Political Career:Close politically and personally to the Taoiseach, his promotion was expected. Competent performer who will work hard without grabbing headlines. Member of Roscommon Co Council for 14 years. Served in the Seanad from 1989 until elected as TD in 2002.
MARTIN MANSERGH
Position:Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, with special responsibility for the Arts.
Age:61.
Constituency:Tipperary South.
Political Career:Key adviser to former taoisigh Haughey, Reynolds and Ahern, he played a brave and critical role in the Northern Ireland peace process. An Oxford graduate and former diplomat. His keen sense of history and wide cultural interests mean he will relish his new role. Highly respected in the party for his loyalty to the Fianna Fáil cause. Elected to Seanad in 2002 and to the Dáil in 2007.
JOHN CURRAN
Position:Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs.
Age:47.
Constituency:Dublin Mid-West.
Political Career:A man to watch. If he comes across well in this high-profile job which is under constant media scrutiny, he should make it to Cabinet at the next reshuffle. Clever and tough, he represents a key constituency. Well-organised with an elaborate website and his own monthly newsletter. He was first elected TD in 2002.
JOHN MOLONEY
Position:Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Disability Issues and Mental Health.
Age:54.
Constituency:Laois-Offaly.
Political Career:Former air traffic controller, undertaker and publican. Highly-respected for his performance as chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children. Located in same constituency as Taoiseach (on the Laois side) and will be expected to watch Cowen's back as the latter attends to high politics and affairs of state. First elected to the Dáil in 1997.
PETER POWER
Position:Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Overseas Development.
Age:42.
Constituency:Limerick East.
Political Career:Very ambitious and well-organised with a highly-sophisticated website and a strong media profile. Needs to increase his first preferences from last year's modest 3,569 but that won't be easy to do on the Third World circuit. Constituency colleague Willie O'Dea attracts huge personal vote. Solicitor by profession, Power was first elected to Dáil in 2002.