Final Stages of Government Formation in Ireland..
Dublin: Negotiations for forming a new government in Ireland have entered their final stages, with key cabinet positions being determined. Under the new agreement, Micheál Martin will assume the role of Prime Minister, while Simon Harris will take on the position of Deputy Prime Minister, exchanging their current posts. Additionally, Fine Gael has agreed to hand over the Department of Justice to Fianna Fáil.
The cabinet will consist of 15 ministers, with Fianna Fáil securing eight posts and Fine Gael taking seven. Regional Independents will not hold cabinet positions, as Independent TD Verona Murphy has been offered the role of Speaker. However, there will be three new “super junior” ministerial positions, one of which is expected to go to an Independent TD. These super junior ministers will participate in cabinet meetings but will not have voting rights.
Fianna Fáil’s Cabinet Composition
In addition to the Prime Minister’s role, Fianna Fáil will hold eight cabinet positions. Speculation suggests that new TD Catherine Ardagh may be appointed as a super junior minister to balance gender representation within the party. Current cabinet ministers Jack Chambers (Finance), Darragh O’Brien (Housing), Norma Foley (Education), and Charlie McConalogue (Agriculture) are likely to retain their portfolios.
There is discussion about Darragh O’Brien possibly moving to the Department of Justice, but party insiders believe a change in his role could disrupt ongoing housing projects. Mary Butler, a Minister of State and Waterford TD, is a strong contender for a cabinet position, as is James Browne, son of former Fianna Fáil Minister John Browne, who could succeed Helen McEntee in Justice.
Junior ministers Niall Collins, Thomas Byrne, Dara Calleary, and James Lawless are also vying for cabinet roles. Niall Collins, a close ally of Micheál Martin, is considered a favourite, while Thomas Byrne’s loyalty during recent crises strengthens his chances.
Fine Gael’s Cabinet Composition
Paschal Donohoe is expected to return as finance minister, swapping roles with Fianna Fáil as part of the agreement. Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan is likely to continue in the Higher Education portfolio, while outgoing Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton is being considered for a cabinet position, though her appointment remains uncertain.
Deputy Leader Helen McEntee is expected to retain her position in the Department of Justice. Minister of State Martin Heydon is a strong candidate for a cabinet role, while Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Neil Richmond are also in contention. Richmond, who publicly supported Simon Harris during his leadership campaign last year, is considered almost certain to secure a cabinet position.
Deputy Prime Minister’s Portfolio
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris will take on a new cabinet portfolio, as he will no longer oversee the Department of Foreign Affairs. While his next role has not been finalised, Harris is reportedly eyeing a prominent position, particularly as Ireland prepares for its presidency of the European Union.
Party sources indicate that Fine Gael is cautious about assigning the Department of Enterprise to Harris, given concerns about its effectiveness under Leo Varadkar when he previously served as Deputy Prime Minister.
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