‘Boxer’ Moran holds on to ministry as Canney misses out
KEVIN ‘Boxer’ Moran has won out over his colleague by retaining his ministry for the remainder of the current Government.
Speculation arose earlier this week as to whether the Independent Alliance TD would again rotate the position as Minister of State over the Office of Public Works with his colleague, Seán Canney.
The arrangement when they were appointed after the formation of the current Government was to hold the role for one just year.
Mr Canney initially held the role, before Mr Moran took over.
The Taoiseach refused to be drawn into the reported internal debate this week and said the matter was for the Independent Alliance.
And last night, it was confirmed that Mr Moran had ended the rotation.
‘The Independent Alliance has confirmed that Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW and Flood Relief, Staying put: Kevin Moran Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, will be continuing in that role for the remainder of the term of this Government,’ a statement read.
‘This follows recent media commentary as to who would fill the role going forward after two years in Government.
‘The Independent Alliance met this afternoon and expressed its support for Minister of State Moran and the work he has been progressing while in office.’
It had been reported that the three other members of the Independent Alliance – Transport Minister Shane Ross, Disability Minister Finian McGrath and Junior Minister John Halligan – would decide the matter by a vote. But Mr Moran last night said this did not occur during their brief meeting yesterday afternoon.
In May 2016, when it was confirmed the two men would job-share the role, they decided who would go first with a coin toss.
Speaking last night, Mr Moran said: ‘I am indeed going to remain the Minister until the next election, 100%.
‘The last few days, a lot has been spoken about in the media, and there was talk of a rift. Myself and Seán are very good friends and remain and always will be very good friends.
‘[Yesterday] the Independent Alliance met in relation to what was being portrayed in the media, that there was loggerheads… there was no loggerheads.
‘First of all, myself and Seán get on extremely well, and continue to work together, me
‘We get on extremely well’
as Minister and Seán as deputy. And we played a vital role, Seán did in relation to when I came in as minister, Seán was there before me.
‘He has played a vital role in my department in leading from the front.’
Mr Moran said there was ‘no votes’ in the brief meeting.
The Mail tried to reach Mr Canney for comment but was unable to make contact.