TD Haughey may quit politics if promotion is not promised

Dublin TD Sean Haughey may quit politics if he is not promised a future promotion, it emerged today.

Mr Haughey had been strongly tipped for over two months to succeed Junior Transport Minister Ivor Callely, but was yesterday overlooked by the Taoiseach.

The wounded Fianna Fáil backbencher today confirmed that he will make a decision on his future political career after Easter.

He also revealed that he was openly congratulated on the pending appointment by figures close to the Taoiseach.

Bertie Ahern had also turned down a request for a meeting after Mr Callely’s resignation in early December.

Breaking his 24-hour silence on the issue, Mr Haughey said today: “I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t’ reflect on what has happened.

“Politics is a cruel game. You can take blows and you have your ups and downs. But after 19 years in the Oireachtas, you have to weigh everything into account, family considerations and so on, to see if you’re able to give it the 100% commitment.

“I enjoy my representational role but I do think the time has come to consider my future.

“If I’m likely to be in line for promotion in the future, I will continue on. If I’m not, then that certainly needs to be reflected upon,” he told RTE Radio.

Mr Haughey, who denied he was presenting an ultimatum to Mr Ahern, said he had received enormous support from well-wishers since he was overlooked.

Former junior minister Mary Wallace was surprisingly plucked from the backbenches yesterday to fill a Minister of State role in the Agriculture & Food Department.

The Meath TD got John Browne’s old job who moves to the fisheries portfolio to replace Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher, who replaced Mr Callely.