Taoiseach appoints McDowell as Tánaiste

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern formally appointed justice minister Michael McDowell as Tánaiste yesterday following his election as leader of the Progressive Democrats.

Mr Ahern and the new Tánaiste signed the statutory instrument required to facilitate the appointment at Government Buildings before the Cabinet meeting.

Mr McDowell then took the Tánaiste’s seat opposite Mr Ahern at the Cabinet table as his predecessor Mary Harney, who remains health minister, moved down one space.