Lucinda’s successor aims to aid bailout exit

Incoming European Affairs Minister Paschal Donohoe has pledged to use his new role to try and facilitate Ireland’s exit from the bailout programme.

Taking over from embattled TD Lucinda Creighton, he admitted to being “sorry” to see a friend having to leave the parliamentary party after voting against the Government’s abortion legislation.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny appointed Mr Donohoe as Ms Creighton’s successor overnight, after the X case legislation was passed through the Dáil.