FF's Martin names new front bench

FF leader names new Frontbench, Mary Hanafin is deputy leader. O’Dea back in the fold. http://bit.ly/hrbj8E

The recently elected Micheal Martin has attempted to revamp Fianna Fail by naming a new front bench, including Mary Hanafin and Willie O’Dea.

Mary Hanafin has been named as deputy leader and Spokesperson on Environment & Local Gov, despite having run against Mr Martin in the recent Fianna Fail leadership contest, as the party looks forward to the general election.

Ms Hanafin based her leadership campaign on the need to bring on new blood within Fianna Fail

Micheal Martin has promoted younger party members by including 4 politicians under the age of 40; Spokesperson on Enterprise, Employment & Innovation- Dara Calleary, 37 yrs old, Spokesperson on Defence- Niall Collins, 37 yrs old, Spokesperson on Sport- Darragh O’Brien TD, 36 yrs old, Spokesperson on Financial Sector Reform -Michael McGrath TD, 34 yrs old.

Billy Kelleher, 52 yrs old, has been raised to Spokesperson on Transport following yesterday’s announcement that co-constituent deputy Noel O’Flynn, 59 yrs old, would not be contesting the upcoming election in favour of the younger man.

In all, Martin’s entire new-look front bench includes just 7 of Cowen's cabinet.

3 of the members are not even currently serving as TDs; Spokesperson on Political Reform- Averil Power, Spokesperson on Tourism & Arts- Senator Marc McSharry and Spokesperson on Housing & Urban Development-Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick.

Controversial TD Willie O’Dea has been granted the post of Spokesperson on Communications, Energy & Natural Resources. Deputy O’Dea resigned his post as Minister of Defence in February 2010 following a defamation case involving the Limerick Chronicle.

O’ Dea denied making comments to a journalist about Sinn Fein councillor Maurice Quinlivan’s alleged connection with a brothel.

“I suppose I am going a bit too far when I say this but I’d like to ask Mr Quinlivan, is the brothel still closed?” The deputy was reported to have said.

Former leadership contenders Brian Lenihan and Eamon O’Cuiv have been named as Spokesperson on Finance and Spokesperson on Social Protection respectively.

Mr Martin has appointed 4 women to front bench posts, Spokesperson on Education & Skills- Mary Coughlan, Spokesperson on Housing & Urban Development- Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick, Spokesperson on Political Reform- Averil Power and Spokesperson on Environment & Local Gov and Deputy Leader- Mary Hanafin.

Barry Andrews, Fianna Fail TD for Dun Laoghiare, is now spokesperson on Health and Children, although Mary Coughlan has retained her position as Minister for Health.

The government chief whip John Curran has been appointed as Spokesperson on Justice & Law Reform.

There is increasing speculation that Taoiseach Brian Cowen will now not contest his Laois-Offaly seat. An announcement is expected tomorrow.