Brennan does not want to quit Transport
In an interview with the Irish Examiner, the Minister responded to persistent speculation that he may have to make way for Tánaiste Mary Harney in the autumn by categorically stating that it was his wish to stay in Transport.
In what may prove to be the beginning of a spirited rearguard action by Mr Brennan, he says that the one portfolio that might entice him to move is Finance. However, it is now almost a certainty that Brian Cowen will be offered that position.
But it puts the number of Ministers who are believed to want to stay in their Departments at six, a situation that may leave Taoiseach Bertie Ahern facing complex choices if he meets resistance from incumbents when deciding on the new Cabinet in September.
“A lot of my colleagues have had seven years in their ministries, said Mr Brennan, who returned to the Cabinet in 2002.
“Transport is a new department set up only two years ago. When I took it over I embarked on a big agenda. In two years I have achieved a lot.
“But there’s a substantial amount of work in progress and I would like the opportunity to finish that.
“There are big decisions on Aer Lingus and on the metro and motorways.
“There are the reforms in public transport. I have started many of these initiatives and I would like to get the chance to finish them,” he insisted.
Transport has responsibility for all the major road and rail infrastructure projects, as well as for aviation and for road safety.
There are three major semi-state companies within the portfolio - Aer Lingus, CIE and Aer Rianta.
The Progressive Democrats have strongly backed Mr Brennan’s policies of breaking up Aer Rianta and introducing competition from private operators on Dublin bus routes. However, after the poor Coalition performance in the local and European election Ms Harney signalled that her party was becoming impatient at the pace of change.
The ministers reluctant to move are believed to include Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh and Defence Minister Michael Smith who are the two likeliest to be dropped, as well as Eamon Ó Cuiv (Gaeltacht, Community and Rural Affairs), Martin Cullen (Environment) and Noel Dempsey (Education).
Health Minister Micheál Martin has said publicly that he would like to stay in that Department, but colleagues believe the Taoiseach will offer him either the Enterprise and Employment or the Arts, Sports and Tourism portfolios.
Mr Walsh’s anticipated demotion will leave only one senior minister in Cork. However, it is expected that two backbench TDs will be elevated to junior ministry jobs to join Michael Ahern. Assistant Government Chief Whip Billy Kelleher and Cork South West deputy Denis O’Donovan are thought to be the front-runners.
