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fianna fail frontbench team announced


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Mary Hanafin has been named the new Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil as part of a new frontbench team announced this afternoon by party leader Micheál Martin.

 

Five backbenchers and one Senator have been named to the frontbench, as well as three candidates who are not members of the Oireachtas, and former Minister Willie O'Dea.

 

Mr Martin made a virtue of necessity, as he named a 21-member frontbench, 14 of whom have not served in Cabinet.

 

The new faces may freshen up the party's image and they were also necessary due to the recent Cabinet clear-out.

 

Mary Hanafin is named Deputy Leader, and will also be Spokesperson on the Environment. The other five serving Ministers will continue with their existing portfolios.

 

Senator Mark McSharry joins the front bench, as do five junior ministers, five backbenchers, and three Dublin-based candidates who are not members of the Oireachtas - Averil Power, Jim O'Callaghan and Mary Fitzpatrick.

 

And former Minister Willie O'Dea, who resigned in a controversy over an incorrect High Court affidavit, makes a comeback to be spokesperson on Communications.

 

Asked about the impression this would leave, Mr Martin said Mr O'Dea had already paid a 'heavy price', and that he is one of the most talented people in Leinster House.

 

Cowen to decide on future

 

 

Meanwhile, friends and supporters of Taoiseach Brian Cowen have said they expect him to intimate to party sources later this evening whether or not he will be a candidate in the next General Election.

 

A Fianna Fáil spokesperson has confirmed that a cumann meeting is due to take place in the Tullamore Court Hotel at 6pm to make final arrangements for tomorrow night's selection convention and to discuss the party strategy.

 

There is ongoing speculation that Mr Cowen will not contest the election and, increase uncertainty about whether or not the Fianna Fáil TD in Laois John Moloney will run for re-election.

 

 

Last night, Donegal North East TD Niall Blaney said he would not be contesting the election, citing personal reasons for his decision.

 

Cork North Central TD Noel O'Flynn said he would not run in order to maximise the chances of his constituency colleague Billy Kelleher.

 

The two men were the latest Fianna Fáil TDs to say they would not be contesting the election, with several ministers announcing their retirement in recent weeks.

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY4ure_GSHw

 

 

 

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