Ahern faces TDs’ fury over Wallace appointment
The return of Meath TD Mary Wallace to frontline politics proved a surprise as Mr Ahern announced a shake-up of junior ministers, which also switched Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher from the marine to transport.
Cabinet ministers were “astonished” at the appointment of Ms Wallace to the Department of Agriculture and Food, according to a senior Government source.
Dublin TDs Sean Haughey and Jim Glennon had been front-runners to land promotion to ministerial office since the transport post became vacant nine weeks ago with Ivor Callely’s resignation.
Their treatment fuelled unhappiness at the promotion of Ms Wallace, already brewing due to her perceived “disloyalty” to the Government after she was dropped as Junior Justice and Equality Minister following the last election.
The Meath TD was widely seen to be boycotting the Dáil chamber over her return to the back benches, a claim she denied yesterday.
Mr Ahern tried to defuse the row by expressing “regret” that Mr Haughey and Mr Glennon had been left “disappointed due to media speculation”.
Ms Wallace admitted she had not been happy at her demotion in 2002.
“I was disappointed and I know there are other people disappointed today.
“That’s politics. I can’t hide my excitement and my thrill to be back as a minister,” she said.
Deputies privately expressed anger that Mr Ahern had left Mr Haughey and Mr Glennon “swinging in the wind”.
Jitters over Fianna Fáil’s election prospects are believed to have been a decisive factor in Ms Wallace’s appointment.
The party faces a battle in the new Meath East constituency, where Ms Wallace will face a strong challenge from Labour.
Mr Gallagher’s switch from the marine portfolio had become almost inevitable after departmental infighting with Noel Dempsey over fishing laws.
Wexford TD John Browne replaced Mr Gallagher and in the process made way for Ms Wallace to succeed him at agriculture.
Mr Glennon expressed disappointment at not being promoted, but wished Ms Wallace well in her post, while Mr Haughey was unavailable for comment.
