Reshuffle will rejuvenate Govt, claims Taoiseach

The new cabinet line-up will bring renewed vibrancy and energy to the Government, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern claimed today.

He insisted it was a “genuine reshuffle” which would usher in a new hard-working and stronger team.

“A number of ministers have been in position for a number of years and I think it’s good to change,” he said.

“I think new people coming in will give a vibrancy and an activity base that we need. The important thing is that I want a very hard-working team.”

Mr Ahern will announce his new cabinet as the Dáil resumes on Wednesday. He has played his cards close to his chest, ensuring that any moves have become the source of widespread speculation.

He said he would be in discussions with everyone involved between now and Wednesday, although some ministers were already aware of their fate.

The Taoiseach is determined not to suffer another electoral blow and dismissed reports his moves would be minimal and limited.

“This is going to be a Government that works and it’s going to continue to work. It’s not a comfort zone for people,” he said.

“This country’s doing extraordinarily well but there are new challenges, new tasks and it requires a very determined team who have to keep up huge energy levels to serve the country both home and abroad.

“I hope on the other side of Wednesday we will have a stronger team which will be able to do that.”

Mr Ahern said he was looking for strong performance, insisting there was no room for those who were not putting in the work.

The departure of Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy to Brussels as EU Commissioner and the retirement of Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh from the front bench, leaves plenty of room for manoeuvre.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen will take up Mr McCreevy’s mantle in Finance.

Tánaiste Mary Harney is rumoured to want a promotion from Enterprise, Trade and Employment to Health in what is expected to be a straight swap with Micheál Martin.

Communications Minister Dermot Ahern has been widely tipped to take the Foreign Affairs portfolio, though he could be vying for position with Minister for Sports, Arts and Tourism John O’Donoghue.

Those contending to be promoted from lower ranks include Chief Whip Mary Hanafin who is expected to move into Education, and Ministers of State Dick Roche, Willie O’Dea and Brian Lenihan.