Transport Minister 'to be named next week'

[PaulM]

Originally Posted by breakingnews.ie

07/02/2006 - 19:54:40

A successor to former Junior Transport Minister Ivor Callely will probably be announced next week, it emerged tonight.

Mr Callely resigned from office on December 8 following a number of controversies.

A decision on a new appointment from the Fianna Fáil backbenches has been expected at every Cabinet meeting since the Dáil returned on January 25.

However, a Government spokesperson said after today’s Cabinet meeting: “The Taoiseach didn’t want to make the decision while the Tánaiste is out of the country. It will probably be next week.”

Tánaiste Mary Harney is currently in Canada on Health Department business.

North Dublin TDs Sean Haughey and Jim Glennon are believed to be the front runners for Mr Callely's position.

Mr Callely had special responsibility for traffic management issues in Dublin and the major cities, road haulage and the Irish Aviation Authority.

He resigned his cabinet post in December after it emerged that a building contractor involved in public contracts had painted his house for free in the early 1990s.

It was also revealed that Mr Callely had offered to personally buy a new car for one of his aides in a failed attempt to retain him.

I wonder if this one can live up to 'the engine'?