Lucinda makes her pitch for the front bench as a re-shuffle looms

[sandar]

Having had his demise heralded by Keith-M Naughten will surely enjoy many years of good health and a long life so, givem Keioth-Ms record of predictions

[polito123]

So not only does he know nothing about football (Gibson is a 2nd rate player who will amount to nothing) he also knows nothing about politics..... You're a bit of a gimp really Keith!

[followmylips]

Allez Les Bleus, you still trying to push McHugh on front bench. Is this the guy who "double claimed" over 30k and refuding to pay it back? Not a chance he's going anywhere but back benches.
TD couple 'double claim' overnight expenses

If McHugh and Enright were in UK the press would be on their back.It is not over yet according to gossip.

[locke]

Certain portfolios haven't produced many opportunities to attack the government in recent times, considering the focus has been on the state finances, the health service and education. Creed (Agriculture), Ring (CRG Affairs) and Hogan (Environment etc.).

However, there are other front-benchers who haven't made enough of government difficulties in higher profile areas - Mitchell (Art, Sport, Tourism), O'Dowd (Transport), Naughten (Immigration).

[madmick]

Personally i didnt like leo v but i do now i think deasy should be put bk on front bench as for lucinda she is a bit of a waffler and has not really offered much.

[followmylips]

TDs refuse to return ?30k allowance
Politio123, I doubt you dont read the papers,denial is a terrible thing,for a Donegal man you are thick as a plank.Mc Hugh "one of the best YOUNG TD's !!! Young he aint, nearly 40 and baldy !
Keep trying and dont be blaming his secretary,that's the oldest trick in the book,balme the weakest link in the chain. No culpability on McHugh and Enright's part. Like Cowen and the rest, blame the public service, the reason we have to cut back in the public service is that greedy people at the top were putting the arm in so that there is nothing left for the country, Bankers,FAS, Mc Hugh and Enright.

[Rocky]

Personally i didnt like leo v but i do now i think deasy should be put bk on front bench as for lucinda she is a bit of a waffler and has not really offered much.

Leo to his credit has offered loads and has been one of FG's most active spokesperson.

I see no reason why Deasy should be brought back. He is currently FG's spokesperson for development aid and has done nothing in that and beyond complaining before the last general election has never really done anything to make him worthy of a Front Bench position.

[Allez les blues]

When I say "bring back Denis Naughten from the dead" I mean restore him to a senior position. Immigration and Integration is not as meaty as, say Transport or Agriculture or Enterprise Trade and Employment (DN's previous three portfolios).

Creed has done and said nothing other than criticise the govt's farming policy (and he's said nothing about fishing or marine).

Ring is good fun on tv and would be an excellent chairman of a high-profile committee like public accounts (he'd get sound-bites and wouldn't be afraid to drive the knife in) but he's not a serious alternative minister, and he doesn't set out an alternative vision to O Cuiv.

Olivia Mitchell is mundane and her statements don't have any purchase.

I think FG should also try to promote Eugene Regan some way or other. And maybe move Phil Hogan out of environment -- he hasn't performed well in what's a very major brief

[polito123]

Hogan should be booted off the front bench, he's not a performer and wouldn't be worth a ministerial position, should FG get into power. His time is up.

[turdsl]

He should have brought in a running mate with himself last time, he would have done something then,