Cautious Cowen cops out

OUT with the old and in with the, er, old.

As expected, Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s Cabinet reshuffle was innately cautious. Two Cabinet seats were vacant following the resignations of Defence Minister, Willie O’Dea, and Arts Minister, Martin Cullen.

Mr Cowen replaced them with Pat Carey, who is 62, and Tony Killeen, 57.