WHEN Enda Kenny announced his front bench on Thursday last there were no Clare TDs in the line up.
Deputy Pat Breen (FG) said he was not disappointed because he was not expecting an appointment.
His colleague Deputy Carey (FG) also claimed he did not expect a promotion, as he was just three years in the Dáil.
Deputy Carey had been one of the first TDs to come out in support of Deputy Kenny, during the leadership challenge led by Richard Bruton.
The Clare TD said he believed that the new front bench, which included Deputy Bruton, represented “a very strong and credible team as we look forward to a general election in less than two years time”.
“There is a good geographic and skills spread among the new team. I particularly want to congratulate Michael Noonan and believe his appointment, as finance spokesperson will benefit the whole of the mid-west when Fine Gael lead the next government.
“From my own personal view, I know there was a lot of speculation in the past fortnight regarding my position, yet it’s worth remembering, I’m only in this job three years and never expected a front line promotion so quick. To be even linked with one was flattering.
“I’m happy to continue to serve as best I can the people of County Clare and continue with my current brief as juvenile justice spokesperson,” he said.
As well as his brief as deputy spokesperson in justice, Deputy Carey was also appointed Deputy Chief Whip of Fine Gael.
“There’s a lot of work to be done in the years ahead to ensure that this country is put back to work and on a sound financial footing. I intend to play my part fully to ensure that happens,” he said.
Deputy Breen also welcomed the appointment of Limerick Deputy Noonan to the front bench.
The former leader was appointed finance spokesperson.
“It is an appointment that will benefit the mid-west,” said Deputy Breen.
“It is business as usual for me and back to representing the people of Clare as best I can,” he added.
Deputy Breen is to remain as deputy spokesperson on Foreign Affairs.
Fine Gael leader Deputy Kenny said, “Fine Gael is united and focused on the major challenge facing the party and the country.
“The team I have picked provides a mixture of both experience and youth and will lead our party into Government after the next election,” he added.
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