01/02/2011
Willie O'Dea Recalled To Front Bench
Former Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has expressed surprise over his recall to the front bench under the new Fianna Fail party leader, Michael Martin.
Mr O'Dea resigned from the front bench in February of last year over an affidavit controversy, where he signed a court affidavit claiming he had not made defamatory comments about a Sinn Féin candidate in Limerick. However, his comments later emerged on a recording, causing significant embarrassment to the former Minister and leading to his decision to resign.
Mr O’Dea today dismissed criticism of his return to the Fianna Fáil front bench saying that he paid a heavy price “politically and financially” flowing the incident. The newly elected leader Micheál Martin appointed Mr O'Dea to his 15-strong front bench team yesterday, while a further six people have been appointed in new policy areas, including reform of the public service, political system, and financial sector.
Mary Hanafin was also this morning back on the front bench, named the new Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil and will also be Spokesperson on the Environment for the party.
Senator Mark McSharry will also take a seat on the front bench, along with five junior ministers, five backbenchers, and three Dublin-based candidates who are not members of the Oireachtas - Averil Power, Jim O'Callaghan and Mary Fitzpatrick.
Speaking today about his newly shuffled frontbench, Michael Martin said: "In bringing together this frontbench I have decided to draw on the party’s full base of TDs, Senators, councillors and candidates. We have hundreds of representatives in all parts of the country and I am determined that we find ways of harnessing all of their energy and experience.
"While the majority have not held Cabinet positions, all have shown a commitment to the development of innovative policies and a practical agenda to move our country forward."
Other key figures in the frontbench will be; Brian Lenihan, who continues as the party's spokesperson on Finance; Mary Coughlan who will now be spokesperson for Education & Skills; and Eamon O Cuiv who takes up the reigns as Spokesperson on Social Protection.
(DW)
Mr O'Dea resigned from the front bench in February of last year over an affidavit controversy, where he signed a court affidavit claiming he had not made defamatory comments about a Sinn Féin candidate in Limerick. However, his comments later emerged on a recording, causing significant embarrassment to the former Minister and leading to his decision to resign.
Mr O’Dea today dismissed criticism of his return to the Fianna Fáil front bench saying that he paid a heavy price “politically and financially” flowing the incident. The newly elected leader Micheál Martin appointed Mr O'Dea to his 15-strong front bench team yesterday, while a further six people have been appointed in new policy areas, including reform of the public service, political system, and financial sector.
Mary Hanafin was also this morning back on the front bench, named the new Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil and will also be Spokesperson on the Environment for the party.
Senator Mark McSharry will also take a seat on the front bench, along with five junior ministers, five backbenchers, and three Dublin-based candidates who are not members of the Oireachtas - Averil Power, Jim O'Callaghan and Mary Fitzpatrick.
Speaking today about his newly shuffled frontbench, Michael Martin said: "In bringing together this frontbench I have decided to draw on the party’s full base of TDs, Senators, councillors and candidates. We have hundreds of representatives in all parts of the country and I am determined that we find ways of harnessing all of their energy and experience.
"While the majority have not held Cabinet positions, all have shown a commitment to the development of innovative policies and a practical agenda to move our country forward."
Other key figures in the frontbench will be; Brian Lenihan, who continues as the party's spokesperson on Finance; Mary Coughlan who will now be spokesperson for Education & Skills; and Eamon O Cuiv who takes up the reigns as Spokesperson on Social Protection.
(DW)
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01 July 2010
Bruton To Be On Fine Gael Front Bench
Richard Bruton has been given a front bench roll despite challenging for the leadership last month. Bruton is set to accept the post of Enterprise Spokesman while Michael Noonan will be appointed Finance Spokesman. It is also believed that Fine Gael veteran and former Minister Sean Barrett is to make a return to the frontbench.
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13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
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02 August 2012
Two Men Injured In Shooting Attack
Two men have been injured in a shooting in Askeaton, Co Limerick last night. A gang of men pulled up alongside three men in a parked car at the Quays at around 10.15pm. One man got out of the car and fired a shot through the parked cars front window. As the three men tried to escape another shot was fired.
Two Men Injured In Shooting Attack
Two men have been injured in a shooting in Askeaton, Co Limerick last night. A gang of men pulled up alongside three men in a parked car at the Quays at around 10.15pm. One man got out of the car and fired a shot through the parked cars front window. As the three men tried to escape another shot was fired.
30 April 2009
Man Killed In County Wicklow Crash
A man has been killed and three others have been injured following a two car collision on a Co. Wicklow road. Gardaí at Roundwood have launched an investigation into the fatal road traffic collision that occurred at approximately 4.45pm on Wednesday evening at Mullinaveigue, Roundwood.
Man Killed In County Wicklow Crash
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Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.