RTE’s summary of the Cabinet changes below.  Quick reaction: Brian Lenihan now the rapid riser (to Finance) after years of being arguably under-placed in Bertie’s cabinets.  But Cowen avoids the designation of an heir-apparent by splitting Tanaiste (Mary Coughlan) from the “great portfolios” (i.e. Finance and Foreign Affairs — Micheál Martin).  Dermot Ahern arguably demoted and Noel Dempsey arguably allowed to fantasize (if he was reading the papers) but then kept in place.

Mary Coughlan becomes Tánaiste, while also taking the portfolio of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

AdvertisementBrian Lenihan is the new Minister for Finance, while Batt O’Keefe becomes Minister for Education, taking Mary Hanafin’s portfolio. She moves to Social and Family Affairs.

Pat Carey becomes Chief Whip, a move which sees Tom Kitt return to the back benches.

The new Minister for Justice is Dermot Ahern, while his position in Foreign Affairs is taken by Micheál Martin.

Martin Cullen is Minister for Arts Sport and Tourism and Brendan Smith takes Mary Coughlan’s position in Agriculture and Food.

Mary Harney retains her position as Minister for Health as does Willie O’Dea, who stays with Defence. John Gormley and Eamon Ryan see no change, remaining in Environment, and Communications Energy and Natural Resources, respectively.

Noel Dempsey, in Transport, and Eamon Ó Cuív, in Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, also stay put.