Fianna Fáil could benefit from Bruton ambassador role

The elevation of former Taoiseach John Bruton to the post of European ambassador in Washington could prove to be good electoral news for the Government.

If Mr Bruton is ratified for the post, it will mean a by-election in his Meath constituency. Although the electoral boundaries of Meath are to be redrawn and it will be divided into two constituencies, this will not happen until the next general election.