Glennon tops successor list
There was some speculation that the unscheduled Cabinet meeting held yesterday morning would be used by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to name Mr Callely’s replacement.
However, according to Government sources, the nomination is now unlikely to take place in the immediate future. And there is some indication that Mr Ahern may wait until the New Year before announcing the new junior minister.
Former rugby international Jim Glennon has been widely mentioned as the probable successor. Mr Glennon is a TD for Ray Burke’s old constituency of Dublin North, having being elected for the first time in 2002.
However, what may count against him is his relative political inexperience. The Taoiseach has been reluctant in the past to elevate deputies from the back benches until they have served at least one term.
The other two names being mentioned are Dublin North West deputy Pat Carey and Sean Haughey, who is Mr Callely’s constituency colleague in Dublin North Central.
But choosing either would give rise to sensitivities and political difficulties.
Both TDs are experienced and highly-regarded. But Mr Carey shares a constituency with the Taoiseach’s brother, Noel Ahern, who is already a junior minister.
If Mr Haughey, the chairman of the all-party environment committee, were to be chosen by the Cabinet, it might be seen as rubbing salt in the wounds of Mr Callely. There is an intense rivalry between the two TDs in Dublin North Central and Mr Callely’s anger at his enforced resignation is likely to simmer.
