Taoiseach promotes two backbenchers to junior ministerial ranks

The Taoiseach is dropping seven TDs from the junior ministerial ranks, it was confirmed this afternoon, as the new line-up of 15 Ministers of State appeared for an official photocall at Leinster House.

Brian Cowen has also appointed two new faces from the backbenches as part of his plan to reduce the number of junior ministers from 20.