New cabinet revealed
15-06-2007
by Emmet Ryan

The Green Party's Eamon Ryan has taken over from Noel Dempsey as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Ryan was one of two Green party TDs, along with John Gormley, given cabinet roles by an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Thursday.

While Ryan lacks any previous ministerial experience he may be taking the position at an opportune time to learn the ropes. There appears to be peace on the LLU front, which was a major bone of contention his predecessor had to deal with. Last month ComReg revealed that the telcos were ready to lay down their arms as Eircom agreed to proceed with implement all requested migration paths.

Despite the excellent timing of Ryan's arrival the post is unlikely to be a completely easy ride for the 2007 Magill TD of the Year. The day of his appointment saw Eircom announce an increase in line rental charge, a move that has already been criticised by interest groups and competitors.

Ryan's appointment, along with Seamus Brennan's switch to Arts, Sport and Tourism, means that Dublin South will have the most representatives at the cabinet table of any constituency in Ireland. Tom Kitt, who also represents the constituency, has retained his role as Government Chief Whip and Minister of State to the Department of an Taoiseach.

On the whole there were few changes to the cabinet from the one which entered the election. Amongst the key roles on the cabinet table Micheal Martin retained his post as Ministers for Enterprise, Trade and Employment as did Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin.

Michael McDowell's departure from the Dail had an impact on three changes in cabinet. Gormley, who beat him to the last seat in Dublin South East, enters cabinet as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin West TD Brian Lenihan has been promoted to McDowell's former position of Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform while Brian Cowen has been appointed Tanaiste, in addition to his role as Minister for Finance. Meanwhile, Noel Dempsey has been named the Minister for Transport and the Marine.

Former Tanaiste Mary Harney is the Progressive Democrats sole representative in cabinet. The Dublin Mid West TD retained her position as Minister for Health and Children.