Labour front bench reshuffle

[Marx]

The Labour Party has announced a reshuffle of its front bench which brings former leader Ruairi Quinn back to a more prominent role as spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

According to Labour, the changes were the result of Joe Sherlock's wish to leave the Defence portfolio.

The Cork East TD has already announced that he will not be contesting the next general election.

Brendan Howlin moves to Justice

Joe Costello Defence and European Affairs.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/0405/labour.html

[Vanilla]

Brendan Howlin moves to Justice

Joe Costello Defence and European Affairs

hmmmmm
Interesting...

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to see what this is about. He's trying to beef things up a bit, now that the possibility of Cabinet positions hones into view. Costello was grand, but he would hardly inspire confidence if Labour asked for Justice next time. This way, he has a man with a bit of oomph in the job, and gets to appease Howlin at the same time. When Rabbitte was made leader originally it was a crazy decision to move Howlin from Justice in the first place. Although it was probably a personality decision more than anything

[eurocrat]

Coalition in Tatters!!

Seems like a sensible switch overall. The older school Labour supporters will like to see Quinn and Howlin closer the centre. The Democratic Left 'putch' feeling needs to be removed before the next election.

[FutureTaoiseach]

With Costello away from Justice hopefully we won't have to listen to anymore sanctimonious pleading on behalf of bogus asylum-seekers from him.

[georgedillon]

You're right. Costello was a disaster as justice spokesman. I suspect Rabbitte has been trying to ditch him ever since the Citizenship Referendum.

The only two people who will regret this move will be Costello himself and the Resident against Racism.

Now maybe Gerry Adams will fire O Snodaigh as Mass Immigration spokesman?
GD

[FutureTaoiseach]

Any Labour insiders have any idea of Howlin's views on immigration?

[Vanilla]

yak yak tak yak yak

Unlike you lot, I doubt that Rabbitte stays up all night fretting about the hordes at Calais. So I'm sure he has more than this in mind when he made his decision

[campbeca]

Costello embarrased himself saying that McDowell should resign over the Dublin Riot. He had to go

[eurocrat]

Costello embarrased himself saying that McDowell should resign over the Dublin Riot. He had to go

I said that too here... Do I have to go to?

[Kerrygold]

Costello embarrased himself saying that McDowell should resign over the Dublin Riot. He had to go

I said that too here... Do I have to go to?

I'm afraid so.