FF meeting to examine fallout of reshuffle

There could be stormy scenes at today's Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting in the wake of yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle.

A number of backbenchers are furious at the demotion of Mary Hanafin and are expressing disquiet at the Tánaiste heading up the Department of Education.

Yesterday Brian Cowen told the Dáil his reshuffle will bring a fresh focus on Government and in an email to supporters last night vowed his new team will drive job creation.

However, the Taoiseach could face a backlash from within as his reshuffle appears to have gone down like a lead balloon.

Many backbenchers were willing to criticise it last night on the basis of anonymity.

Brian Cowen is being described as a "lot soul" with many believing this reshuffle has made him even more enemies.

One told the Irish Independent it was a "total disaster", and some felt Brian Cowen has just made a bad situation worse as the Cabinet team is out of touch with people.

The demotion of Mary Hanafin hit a raw nerve with party colleagues saying the Taoiseach clearly does not value a good performer in a Ministerial role.

The Tánaiste's new position in Education has irked backbenchers, with some predicting she will have teachers rioting at their annual conferences next month.