13/05/2008

Cowen Expected To Unveil Junior Ministers

A Cabinet meeting today is expected to see Taoiseach Brian Cowen announce major changes among his Minister of State ranks.

Among those tipped for promotion to junior positions are Limerick TD Peter Power, who chaired an Oireachtas committee on child sex abuse. Donegal North East’s Niall Blaney is also expected to be promoted.

However, the amount of Junior Minister posts are expected to be slashed by the new Taoiseach, as they increased in the times of prosperity under Bertie Ahern by 25%.

It is also thought that long-serving Minister of State Pat the Cope Gallagher could also be facing demotion.

Limerick TD John Cregan, Laois–Offaly TD John Moloney and Roscommon–South Leitrim’s Michael Finneran – all of whom are close to Mr Cowen – are among those also tipped by colleagues for junior ministerial posts.

Dublin Mid-West TD John Curran, who is Deputy Government Chief Whip, is also being tipped.

Because of last week's promotions for Pat Carey, Brendan Smith and Batt O'Keeffe, Mr Cowen already has three vacancies to fill.

Some long-serving Ministers of State could face demotion as Mr Cowen unveils a fresh line-up.

(DW)


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