Mary Lou’s crew
SF leader unveils reshuffled frontbench with aim of ‘holding the Government to account’
MARY Lou Mcdonald has unveiled her reshuffled frontbench to shadow the new Government.
One of the big moves will see Louise O’reilly switch from the health brief and into enterprise, where she will be marking the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
David Cullinane will be taking over from Ms O’reilly.
Another part of the shake-up sees first-time TD Mairead Farrell taking on the role of Public Expenditure and Reform spokeswoman.
The Galway West politician will be keeping an eye on Michael Mcgrath in this portfolio.
Ms Mcdonald said her new line-up is “dynamic” and will be holding the Government to account in every department.
She did not make the same mistake as the coalition did when appointing the Cabinet by leaving the west of Ireland or rural areas out of the picture.
Ms Mcdonald said: “New Government ministers will have to be on their toes and on top of their briefs because they will be matched by a very energetic, very determined Sinn Fein leading the Opposition. We will hold the Government to account, bring forward solutions and continue championing the change that so many people want.
“I am very proud of our new frontbench team and the fact we have strong representation from rural Ireland, as well as our cities.
“Sinn Fein will provide constructive and critical opposition to this government.
“We will hold them to account, working with other parties in the Opposition.
“An effective opposition can achieve change by engaging constructively to bring forward solutions and force the Government to act.
“The strong and competent team that I lead is committed to doing this at every opportunity.
“We will stand up for workers and families on the issues that matter.
“This means rebuilding the economy with decent work for decent pay at its core, as well as delivering affordable housing, a single-tier health system, public childcare and restoring the pension age to 65.
“We will work for a united Ireland as the health and economic challenges posed by Covid-19 and Brexit have starkly exposed an all-island approach simply makes common sense.
“Ireland faces big challenges in the months ahead and we will be playing our part in delivering the change that is needed.”