Wallace promoted in reshuffle

The surprise reappointment of Meath TD Mary Wallace as Minister of State to replace Ivor Callely was announced in the Dáil yesterday by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Surrounded by several of his Ministers, Mr Ahern said in a brief statement that the Government had appointed Ms Wallace as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food.

The previous holder of that post, John Browne, is to move to the Department of the Marine to replace Minister of State Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, who goes to the Department of Transport and takes up the position previously held by Mr Callely.

As Mr Ahern made the announcement, Ms Wallace sat on the back benches smiling broadly.

There was applause from all sides of the House and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny wished Ms Wallace well. He noted that Minister of State for Education Síle de Valera, "has withstood the pressure that was reportedly put on her to stand aside". There had been speculation Ms de Valera would resign her portfolio following her announcement she would not be standing again for election.

Mr Kenny wished all three Ministers of State well "in the 12 months, or less than 12 months, which remain before the next general election".

Ms Wallace had served as junior minister in the Department of Justice in the last government, when she had responsibility for disabilities. She was dropped after the 2002 general election when the controversial Disability Bill she was guiding through the Oireachtas was withdrawn.