New minister may quickly face stiff Brexit test

Without a Brexit breakthrough, there is a fast-growing risk that negotiations will collapse by the end of the month

New Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue receives his Seal of Office from President Michael D. Higgins.

Ireland’s new agriculture minister, Charlie McConalogue, takes office just four days ahead of make-or-break talks on Brexit in London.

Preparations for a no-deal Brexit could become the new incumbent’s top priority, unless there is progress in Round 8 of the UK-EU negotiations in London next Monday, September 7.