Coughlan’s move won’t ease her political problems

MARY COUGHLAN’S direct Cabinet swap with Batt O’Keeffe may be seen as a demotion but her new job will not ease the Tánaiste’s political headaches.

Although she told the Dáil she looks forward to the challenge ahead after being named as Education Minister, Ms Coughlan’s appointment was described by Fine Gael as a clear indication that education is not a priority for Taoiseach Brian Cowen or his Government.

The party’s education spokesperson Brian Hayes said the best way to become Education Minister is to be incompetent in another department.