Martin 'on his way to Enterprise'

Micheál Martin is today expected to take up the portfolio of Enterprise Trade and Employment in a direct swap with Tánaiste Mary Harney, according to the Evening Echo.

The move would be a significant promotion for Mr Martin, who has spent an often controversial but overall successful four-and-a-half years with the difficult and challenging health portfolio.

Mr Martin’s strong track record in the area of research and investment - a significant element of his work during his three-year period at the Department of Education - and his deep commitment to the synergy between industry and education would make Enterprise Trade and Employment the perfect niche for the popular Cork politician.

Elsewhere, sources close to Willie O’Dea were confident that he was going to be invited into the Cabinet by the Taoiseach.

One well-placed source said the Junior Minister for Justice had been told to make himself available in Leinster House before the Dáil was due to meet at 3.30pm.

Minister O’Dea’s handling of disability legislation is understood to have impressed the Taoiseach.

In drawing up the legislation, Minister O’Dea had to work with a number of Departments.