Hanafin named as deputy FF leader, O'Dea back on front bench

Mary Hanafin has been named as deputy leader of Fianna Fáil.

Mon, 31 Jan, 2011 - 15:22

Mary Hanafin has been named as deputy leader of Fianna Fáil.

Deputy Hanafin, who will also hold the portfolio of Environment and Local Government, was among a 21-member front bench announced by party leader Micheál Martin on the plinth at Leinster House a short time ago.

"I am very pleased that Mary Hanafin has agreed to serve as deputy leader," Mr Martin said.

"We share a vision of our party campaigning with energy on the basis of a renewed programme and reaching out to people in all parts of the country."

Brian Lenihan retains the Finance portfolio, as expected, while Limerick TD Willie O'Dea returns to the front bench with the Communications, Energy and Natural Resources portfolio.

"Pleased to be appointed to FF Front Bench," Deputy O'Dea tweeted following the announcement, saying the portfolio represented a vital sector in Ireland's economy.

Current govt chief whip John Curran gets the Justice and Law reform job from the retiring Dermot Ahern, while Eamon Ó Cuiv takes the Social Protection portfolio.

Mayo's Dara Calleary steps up to the front bench with the Enterprise, Employment and Innovation portfolio, while another FF 'young gun', Cork's Billy Kelleher, gets Transport.

Fourteen of the 21 appointees have not previously served in Cabinet, while the list is notable for the inclusion of a number of appointees not currently elected to the Dáil.

These include Senator Marc McSharry (Tourism & Arts), Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick (Housing & Urban Development) and Averil Power (Political Reform).

"In bringing together this front bench I have decided to draw on the party’s full base of TDs, Senators, councillors and candidates," Mr Martin said.

"We have hundreds of representatives in all parts of the country and I am determined that we find ways of harnessing all of their energy and experience.

"While the majority have not held Cabinet positions, all have shown a commitment to the development of innovative policies and a practical agenda to move our country forward."

FULL LIST OF NEW FF FRONT BENCH APPOINTMENTS:

Spokesperson on Environment & Local Gov and Deputy Leader Mary Hanafin TD

Spokesperson on Finance Brian Lenihan TD

Spokesperson on Justice & Law Reform John Curran TD

Spokesperson on Health & Children Barry Andrews TD

Spokesperson on Education & Skills Mary Coughlan TD

Spokesperson on Social Protection Eamon O Cuiv TD

Spokesperson on Enterprise, Employment & Innovation Dara Calleary TD

Spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Brendan Smith TD

Spokesperson on Tourism & Arts Senator Marc McSharry

Spokesperson on Defence Niall Collins TD

Spokesperson on Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey TD