Rebel Ó Cuív back in FF frontbench

Galway West TD EamonÓ Cuív has been re-instated to the Fianna Fáil frontbench following his resignation last March over his stance on the fiscal compact referendum.

Fri, 13 Jul, 2012 - 01:00

Mary Regan, Political Correspondent

Party leader Micheál Martin announced a reshuffle of his Dáil spokespeople but failed to appoint a deputy leader to replace Ó Cuív.

Ten of the party’s 19 TDs will get new responsibilities under the reorganisation, which comes little more than a year after they took up their briefs.

Cork South Central TD Micheal McGrath will hold on to his brief as finance spokesman.

Seán Ó Fearghail will remain party whip, but will also assume responsibility for culture and constitutional reform.

Former minister Willie O’Dea is to become spokesman on social protection, replacing Barry Cowen, who will become environment spokesman, shadowing Phil Hogan.

First-time TD Charlie McConalogue has been promoted to spokesman for education. He is replaced by Robert Troy, who is also likely to see his profile increase as spokesman for children ahead of a referendum on children’s rights.

Clare TD Timmy Dooley will remain as spokesman for transport, tourism, and sport, while Cork North Central’s Billy Kelleher will hold on to the health brief.

Mr Martin said the team would “maximise our effectiveness and ensure that we are able to build on the solid work done to date.”

The bench is as follows:

* Willie O’Dea: Social protection and social equality;

* Barry Cowen: Environment and local government;

* Billy Kelleher: Health

* Brendan Smith: Foreign affairs and trade; Border region development;

* Charlie McConalogue: Education and skills;

* Dara Calleary: Enterprise, jobs, and innovation

* John Browne: Marine and fisheries;

* John McGuinness: Small business and regulatory framework;

* Micheál Kitt: Housing, planning, and Gaeltachtaffairs;

* Michael McGrath:Finance;