Flanagan tipped to take over portfolio

Enda Kenny will today announce the new minister for justice with much speculation last night pointing to Fine Gael party chairman Charlie Flanagan as the likely successor.

There were also suggestions Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney might be moved across in Cabinet to fill the vacancy after the resignation of Alan Shatter.

Government chief whip Paul Kehoe’s office said an announcement would be made in the Dáil this morning.

Speculation last night centred around three Fine Gael figures for the post.

Favourite was Laois-Offaly TD Mr Flanagan, who was justice spokesman for Fine Gael for three years when in opposition.

As party chairman, he is a popular figure among backbenchers and is also a qualified solicitor.

His appointment would also rule out any larger reshuffle of the Cabinet.

However, it was reported during the leadership heave against Enda Kenny in 2010 that Mr Flanagan had sided with his critics.

Furthermore, Mr Kenny may look to a minister who has proved their ability in dealing with difficult matters in a department.

Mr Coveney is seen as a safe pair of hands, having successfully steered his department through the horsemeat debacle.

Some coalition sources last night were also pointing to Paschal Donohoe as an outside bet for the position.

However, the Dublin TD was only appointed to a junior post as European Affairs Minister last year.

Two outside runners for the portfolio were said to be Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.