Rabbitte and Quinn on front bench

LABOUR leader Eamon Gilmore handed his immediate predecessors two of the biggest portfolios when unveiling his new front bench yesterday.

Former party leaders Pat Rabbitte and Ruairi Quinn have been given the justice and education portfolios respectively. Mr Gilmore said he was pleased to have “the skill and experience” of Mr Rabbitte and Mr Quinn on board.

The leader’s new frontbench contained 19 positions, mirroring exactly the number of TDs at his disposal, meaning he did not have to omit anyone.