Quinn announces front bench

Labour leader Ruairi Quinn has announced his new front bench.

There are no major surprises in the line up. Brendan Howlin has been appointed spokesman on Finance and Pat Rabbitte will handle the Justice portfolio, as well as a new role as assistant whip.

Joan Burton takes on Transport, Joe Costello has been assigned the Education and Science portfolio and Kathleen Lynch takes on Arts, Sports and Tourism.

Eamon Gilmore will be Communications and Natural Resources spokesman.

Ruairi Quinn remains Labour’s spokesman on the North, Emmet Stagg is party chief whip and Liz McManus continues in Health.

Michael D Higgins will tackle Foreign Affairs.