Fianna Fáil reshuffle has one eye on what year could hold

THIS week’s Fianna Fáil frontbench reshuffle was motivated by the party’s determination not to renew the confidence and supply arrangement with Fine Gael, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The confidence and supply agreement sees Fianna Fáil vote with the Government on confidence motions and financial bills.

There was particular focus within Fianna Fáil on the appointments of two key figures – Dara Calleary as Deputy Leader and Barry Cowen as Spokesman for Public Expenditure. Both men will be on hand if the Budget negotiations pushes the parties towards a general election.

There remains the distinct possibility that the Taoiseach could call a snap election for June.