Mayo TD Dara Calleary has been named as the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the sacking of previous incumbent Barry Cowen on Tuesday night.
Cowen held the position for just 17 days, having been sacked on Tuesday night following controversy over a drink-driving incident following the All-Ireland Football Final in 2016.
Cowen released a statement in the aftermath of the decision on Tuesday night, saying he was “surprised and disappointed” by the move and that the decision of the Taoiseach to remove him from office, having previously expressed his support, undermined and potentially prejudiced Cowen’s entitlement to fair process.
Calleary, who had been appointed as Chief Whip, had previously expressed his disappointment at not receiving a government ministry, while the lack of ministerial representation in the west of Ireland was also a major talking point following the recent formation of Government.
Jack Chambers has been appointed as Chief Whip in Calleary’s place, while Sean Fleming has been appointed as a Junior Minister at the Department of Finance.
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