‘Jobs for boys’ claim as 20 get junior posts

BRIAN COWEN promoted five newcomers to junior ministerial posts last night as opposition parties accused him of indulging in “jobs for the boys” at taxpayers’ expense.

In a cautious reshuffle of the second-tier team, a mere three ministers of state — Michael Ahern, Pat “the Cope” Gallagher and John Brown — were dropped.

Winners in the shake-up included Tipperary South TD Martin Mansergh, with the former adviser to Charles Haughey and Bertie Ahern given responsibility for the arts and the Office of Public Works.