Bruton survives Fine Gael reshuffle

Richard Bruton is among the rebel Fine Gael TDs to survive Enda Kenny's front bench reshuffle today.

Thu, 01 Jul, 2010 - 16:04

Richard Bruton is among the rebel Fine Gael TDs to survive Enda Kenny's front bench reshuffle today.

The man who sparked last month’s leadership heave has had his position as Deputy Leader go to Dublin North TD Dr James Reilly, however.

Dr Reilly, one of Mr Kenny’s most ardent supporters, retains his Health brief.

Former leader Michael Noonan is back in frontline politics, replacing Bruton in the Finance portfolio, with Bruton demoted to Enterprise.

Mr Kenny announced the new line-up, claiming they would lead the party into a General Election battle in the next 12 months.

“Fine Gael is united and focused on the major challenge facing the party and the country. That challenge is to replace this disastrous Government with a better alternative that will get our people back to work and our country back on track,” he said.

The Mayo TD, and longest-serving member of the Dáil, said he has been hugely encouraged by the strength and unity of purpose of the party over the last number of weeks, despite a narrow leadership victory.

“They all share the same goal for Fine Gael: to win the next election and implement our radical plans to transform our public services, our political system, and crucially to get our people back to work,” he said.

“We have the policies and today the public see that we have the team to achieve that shared goal.”

New Fine Gael front bench:

Enda Kenny: Leader / Northern Ireland

James Reilly: Deputy Leader & Health & Children, (with responsibility for policy coordination & implementation)

Michael Noonan: Finance

Sean Barrett: Foreign Affairs

Richard Bruton: Enterprise, Jobs & Economic Planning (including public service reform)

Catherine Byrne: Older Citizens

Simon Coveney: Transport

Deirdre Clune: Innovation & Research

Jimmy Deenihan: Tourism, Culture & Sport

Andrew Doyle: Agriculture, Fisheries & Food