Fine Gael expands front bench to 21

The Fine Gael leader, John Bruton, has said his newly-announced front bench will fight the next general election, which could take place this year. In a parliamentary reshuffle announced this afternoon, Sean Barrett has left the front bench and four new people have been promoted. Senator Maurice Manning remains Seanad leader. Those promoted to the front bench are Charles Flanagan, Denis Naughten, Deirdre Clune and Brian Hayes. Mr Hayes is the new party spokesman on Northern Ireland. There's been a large change in portfolios, but Nora Owen remains Deputy Leader and Michael Noonan is unchanged as Finance spokesperson. The front bench had 18 members and it's now been enlarged to 21.