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Cabinet reshuffle seeks ‘vibrancy’

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

Ahern is expected to move several current ministers around the cabinet table. He is also likely to promote and demote several junior ministers.
Speculation has surrounded Tanaiste Mary Harney, who was tipped over the weekend to move from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the health portfolio. It is thought that she will be involved in a straight swap with current Health Minister Micheal Martin.
The move would likely raise the hackles of opposition parties, as the Progressive Democrats leader is a renowned advocate of privatization.
Fianna Fail has endured intense criticism since last June’s bruising local elections, with numerous backbenchers pinning the blame on the right-wing economic policies associated with coalition partners the PDs.
Brian Cowen is expected to succeed Europe-bound Charlie McCreevy in the finance portfolio, while the minister for sports, arts and tourism, John O’Donoghue is likely to take over the foreign affairs brief from Cowen, though there is some speculation that Marine and Communications Minister Dermot Ahern may also be in contention.
Ahern issued a stern warning to the newcomers Monday, saying he would not tolerate poor performances among ministers.
“I’m not in a position where I’m going to appoint people on Wednesday, and if they are not putting it in that they are going to stay there for the next election,” said Ahern.
“I’m not going to do that. This is going to be a government that works. It’s not going to be a comfort zone for people.”
Ahern argued that the reshuffle would bring added “vibrancy” to the government.
“A number of ministers have been in position for a number of years and I think it’s good to change,” he said. “I think new people coming in will give a vibrancy and an activity base that we need. The important thing is that I want a very hard-working team.
“This country’s doing extraordinarily well, but there are new challenges, new tasks and it requires a very determined team, who have to keep up huge energy levels to serve the country both home and abroad.”
Ahern is expected to make most changes among the ranks of ministers of state. Chief whip would appear to be a race between current junior ministers Dick Roche and Brian Lenihan. It is thought that the current chief whip, Mary Hanafin, will be promoted to the education portfolio.
Political sources have singled out Sile De Valera and Jim McDaid as potential casualties, while Tony Killeen and Brendan Smith are expected to receive promotions.
Minister for Defense Michael Smith, who has been fighting a rearguard action against dismissal for more than a month, is expected to be dropped. Agriculture minister Joe Walsh’s retirement from the front bench put pressure on Smith to stand aside.

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