Holidaying ministers miss beginning of new political term

THE first Cabinet meeting of the new political term yesterday came too early for four ministers — despite the fact they had almost all of August off.

Three of the four ministers missed the meeting because they are still on holidays, spokespersons confirmed. They are Arts Minister Seamus Brennan, Education Minister Mary Hanafin and Social Affairs Minister Martin Cullen.

A spokesperson for the fourth, Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, did not respond to requests for comment.