Howlin and Quinn promoted in Labour reshuffle

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte has announced a reshuffle of his party's front bench, with Brendan Howlin and Ruairí Quinn both moving to key new positions.

Mr Howlin takes over as justice spokesman in place of Joe Costello, who takes on the defence and European affairs portfolio.

Mr Quinn, meanwhile, has been appointed spokesman on enterprise and employment.

The reshuffle follows a request from Joe Sherlock, who is retiring at the next election, that he be relieved of responsibility for the defence portfolio.

Reports this morning said Mr Howlin was being reappointed as justice spokesman to give Labour a high profile in the area before the election.

In conjunction with Fine Gael, the party has been focusing on the issue of law and order, which it believes will be the main issue on doorsteps when voters next go to the polls.