Ahern's ministerial line-up announced

Bertie Ahern's new ministerial line-up has been announced.

Four ministers have been dropped from the Taoiseach’s new cabinet.

Jim McDaid, Sile de Valera, Michael Woods and Frank Fahey have not made Mr. Ahern’s new team.

Joe Walsh will stay as Minister for Agriculture.

Noel Dempsey now takes Michael Woods’ charge in Education.

Progressive Democrat Michael McDowell has been given the post of Minister for Justice.

John O’Donoghue was chopped from this high profile position and given charge of Arts, Sports and Tourism.

Martin Cullen now moves into chair of the Department of Environment and Local Government.

Seamas Brennan has now been given the senior cabinet position in the Department of Transport.

As expected Micheal Martin stays in Health and Children to help instigate the national health plan.

Full Cabinet list:

Seamus Brennan: Transport and public Enterprise;

Martin Cullen: Environment;

Dermot Ahern: Communications and Natural Resources;

Eamonn O Cuiv: Community, Rural and Gaeltacht;

Mary Coughlan: Social and Family Affairs;

Joe Walsh: Agriculture and Food;

John O’Donoghue: Arts, Sport and Tourism;

Mary Harney: Enterprise, Trade and Employment;

Michael Smith: Defence;

Charlie McCreevy: Finance;

Brian Cowen: Foreign Affairs;

Noel Dempsey: Education and Science;

Mícheal Martin: Health and Children;

Michael McDowell: Justice, Equality and Law Reform;

Mary Hanafin: Government Chief Whip;

Rory Brady: Attorney General.