Introducing a new Cabinet (and some of the old cabinet)

They’re the lucky ones granted a ministerial seat at the table, but who will do what and how long will they last?

The Micheál Martin-led coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens is likely the most remarkable Irish Government since the interparty coalition of Fine Gael, two Labour parties, a farmers party, Clann na Poblachta and a dozen Independents in 1948. We cast an eye on the new class – with its mix of familiar faces and newcomers – which changes the age and gender profile of the Government.

TAOISEACH Micheál Martin The Tortoise

The perpetually youthful looking Martin has become Ireland’s second oldest first-time Taoiseach behind Seán Lemass. Like the tortoise he has seen off a variety of hares from Bertie to Leo. Age has given him a certain wiliness and strength of character.

JOB CREATION AND NATIONAL RECOVERY Leo Varadkar The Straight Talker

Not naturally designed to be a number two. Took some time to secure his Taoiseach’s sea-legs until coronavirus flushed out his latent leadership capacities. Will add more than a few wrinkles to Martin’s brow but his troubleshooting direct style may suit job creation.

TRANSPORT AND CLIMATE CHANGE Eamon Ryan Mr Nice Guy

Seen as being the conciliator of the Covid coalition, much to the unease of the more briary Greens. It could cost him the leadership bauble but his experience is too critical to be lost. His consensus-building persona may play a key role in a cabinet of big egos.

FINE GAEL FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE Simon Coveney The Consigliere

The naturally beta Simon has slipped effortlessly into the role of Leo’s trusted number two. Is belatedly becoming a sophisticated political consort who has now essentially negotiated two Programmes for Government. Should Leo slip in any way he will be available to serve.

FINANCE Paschal Donohoe The Conciliator

Holds on to his beloved Department because of Micheál getting the top job. It will be interesting to see how he resolves the competing imperatives of tax, spend and austerity. Our natural fiscal conservative might be glad to be out in two years.

SOCIAL PROTECTION Heather Humphreys The Country and Western Star

In a Cabinet that is trending a little too much towards the rival capitals of

Cork and Dublin, Monaghannative Ms Humphreys provides a bit of Irish

Borderlands Country and Western star quality. She has become an increasingly gritty performer in recent years and experienced a good coronavirus campaign.

And there’s no better woman to hand out any grants that might be going.

HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH Simon Harris

The Great Houdini

Has become the greatest Irish political escapologist since Haughey. Leo Varadkar has been scoping out the quality of

Simon’s political neck for three years. One of the few who, thanks to Covid, has left health in a stronger political condition. He has wisely quit for the dreamy pires of third level education. Richard Bruton will be envious.

PUBLIC EXPENDITURE Michael Mc Grath The Heir

At the moment McGrath is holding in third place in the Cork mafia behind Micheál Martin and Simon Coveney.

But he has plans to move up the rankings as Micheál knows all too well. One of the few Fianna Fáil politicians who rivals Richard Bruton and Paschal Donohoe in mastery of detail.

HOUSING Darragh O’Brien The Throwback

Slightly mischievous politically, O’Brien will be expected to bring a bit of swagger and flair to housing. He will also be expected to build them, of course. A bit too much of the Bertie era attaches itself to Darragh for Micheál’s ease. If he fails to succeed quickly, he won’t last too long and there is a big queue waiting.

EDUCATION Norma Foley The Outsider

Even if she did nominate Micheál twice, no-one saw her coming. A key part of Micheál’s Munster mafia, she is a first time TD but is experienced in local government. Canny and part of FF’s Mary O’Rourke-style schoolmarm wing.

AGRICULTURE Barry Cowen The Dynast

A more complex political creature than the apprentice BIFFO profile. Appointed on the better to have him inside the tent principle rather than the love of the leader. Needs to be challenged or will coast. Many will wonder if agriculture is really his gig.

HEALTH Stephen Donnelly The Brains of the Operation

The new health minister is the closest thing Fianna Fáil have to an intellectual. This alas explains why they find Stephen so difficult to deal with. Fianna Fáil’s black swan is cuter than appearances suggest given the manner with which he bolted from the shadows to secure one of the coveted six jobs in the Cabinet.

THE GREENS ARTS, MEDIA CULTURE, TOURISM AND SPORT Catherine Martin The Sphinx

Has evolved for some from being

Eamon’s pleasant deputy, to the new Lady Macbeth of the Greens who has already taken out constituency colleague Josepha. If she is as ruthless in the Department as she is in the Green’s, the Southside Sphinx will be impactful.

CHILDREN DISABILITY AND EQUALITY Roderic O’Gorman The Ryan Wing

Seen as his (current) leader’s eyes and ears. Not exactly a first day minister, but more of a 140th day minister. Could be viewed as on the non-Trotsky wing of Labour – the Joan Burton side. He gets a crossover of Children and David Stanton’s Junior Ministry.

CHIEF WHIP Dara Calleary The Spare

In terms of the succession game just behind McGrath. Cautious and a little grey… he is a wily but non-controversial safe pair of hands. Will play a key role in keeping the Coalition together. Will have to perform beyond his profile to rise to the challenges.

ATTORNEY GENERAL Paul Gallagher The Returnee

There is no consolation prize for ‘Big Jim’ O’Callaghan. Instead we see the return of Paul Gallagher who served as AG in the 2007 to 2011 government. Seen as representing an astute choice who serves on merit.