14/05/2008

Cowen Hosts 'New Faces 2008'

Five new faces have been appointed to junior government positions by the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen.

Peter Power takes on responsibility for Overseas Aid, John Moloney goes to Equality and Disability, Michael Finneran of Roscommon South Leitrim will be Minister for Housing, Martin Mansergh will be Minister of Public Works, and Dublin Mid-West's John Curran becomes Minister for Drugs.

Despite the new faces, three ministers have lost out to those newly promoted. Pat the Cope Gallagher of Donegal South West, Michael Ahern of Cork East, and John Browne of Wexford have all been axed from their government positions, and will return to the backbenches for the foreseeable future.

Mr Cowen faced criticism from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny over the appointments as speculation he would take steps to reduce the number of Ministers of State, which has increased in recent years to 20, were not taken.

TD for Health Promotion, Mary Wallace, was one of 17 junior ministers to keep her €140,000 salary, amid speculation she would resign as TD if removed from the junior minister post.

However, Mr Cowen has three committee chairmanships worth €20,000 annually plus a vice-chairmanship (€9,700) and a government deputy chief whip job to give out as consolation prizes.

(DW)


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