Ahern faces TDs’ fury over Wallace appointment

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern provoked anger in Fianna Fáil ranks last night with a reshuffle upset that saw a rebel deputy promoted as Sean Haughey was again overlooked.

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.