Enda Kenny
Announced new frontbench team
New Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has announced his new frontbench team, which he described as "a blend of youth and experience". He said it was "a fresh team for a fresh start of Fine Gael and the country".
Five of the Fine Gael frontbenchers are under 30 and three of the team are newcomers to the Dáil.
Richard Bruton has been appointed Deputy Leader of Fine Gael. The Dublin North Central TD will also become the party Spokesman on Finance.
Gay Mitchell is the new Fine Gael Spokesman on Foreign Affairs. Other key appointments include Phil Hogan at Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dinny McGinley at Defence and Billy Timmons at Agriculture.
In another development, Mr Kenny has announced that Fine Gael is set to rejoin the Forum on Europe. He said that, having spoken with Senator Maurice Hayes and the Taoiseach, and given the fact that another referendum is now to be held on the ratification of the Nice Treaty, it was appropriate that the party should rejoin the Forum.
Finance and Deputy Leader: Richard Bruton
Foreign Affairs: Gay Mitchell
Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Phil Hogan
Defence: Dinny McGinley
Agriculture: Billy Timmons
Education and Science: Olwyn Enright
Communications and Marine: Simon Coveney
Transport: Denis Naughton
Environment and Local Government: Bernard Allen
Social and Family Affairs: Michael Ring
Justice and Law Reform: John Deasy
Arts, Sports and Tourism: Jimmy Deenihan
Regional Development: Paul Connaughton
Chief Whip: Bernard Durkan
