Micheál Martin to make host of changes to his Cabinet after taking up Taoiseach role

Senior Fine Gael sources also stressed that Simon Harris intends to make significant changes in the reshuffle in 2027

It is understood that both Mr Martin contacted several members of his party on Tuesday to break the news to them that they will not be in line for a promotion this time around. Photo: Damien Eagers

Micheál Martin's return to the Taoiseach's office today will be accompanied by a shake-up of a number of the most senior Cabinet positions.

Mr Martin will swap roles with Simon Harris after a Dáil vote this morning before being officially appointed by President Michael D Higgins. He will then return to Government Buildings to appoint his Cabinet with some big names changing roles as well as the promotion of others.

As expected, Paschal Donohoe will do a direct swap with Jack Chambers to return to the Department of Finance. Fine Gael believes this will put him on a strong footing to seek a second term as head of the powerful Eurogroup of Finance Ministers, a job which he won in 2020. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee will be appointed Education Minister and it is expected that Fianna Fáil's Jim O'Callaghan will take up her former role in the Department of Justice which will also have the addition of Home Affairs. 

Darragh O'Brien is expected to remain in Housing, while Charlie McConalogue is tipped to move to Further Education, while Norma Foley takes up the reins in Social Protection.

Mr Harris is expected to promote junior ministers Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Martin Heydon to Health and Agriculture, respectively.

Waterford TD Mary Butler will be elevated from the junior ministerial ranks to the role of Minister for Children and Disabilities, but other than Mr Martin, there will be no Cork presence in the senior ministerial ranks. 

That may be countered by the appointment of Michael Moynihan as a super-junior minister and Government Chief Whip. 

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

Mr Moynihan had been touted for the powerful position of leas Ceann Comhairle, but that is to go to Cavan TD Brendan Smyth. However, this will be on a rotating basis with Fine Gael taking up the position mid-way through this term. 

It is expected that this will give Simon Harris the opportunity to promote a person with experience who he will have to disappoint this time around when junior ministerial positions are handed out. Fellow constituency representative Niamh Smyth will also be elevated to the junior ministerial ranks.

The final Fianna Fáil seat at Cabinet is considered to be a choice between former Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary and fellow junior ministers Thomas Byrne and James Browne.

It is understood that both Mr Martin and Mr Harris contacted several members of their party on Tuesday to break the news to them that they will not be in line for a promotion this time around.

Senior Fine Gael sources also stressed that Mr Harris intends to make significant changes in the reshuffle in 2027 to ensure that new TDs are elevated during this term in office.