Dara Calleary nominated Minister for Agriculture and the Marine
Mayo TD Dara Calleary has been appointed the new Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Ballina-based representative replaces Barry Cowen TD who was removed from the post last night in the wake of a controversy over a drink-driving ban four years ago.
Deputy Calleary (47) is deputy leader of Fianna Fáil and had been appointed Government Chief Whip, an appointment that caused a political storm across the western region due to the fact the position does not hold senior ministerial status.
Deputy Jack Chambers take over from Deputy Calleary as chief whip.
Deputy Sean Fleming has also promoted as part of the minor reshuffle.
Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: "There are of course many challenges facing agriculture - Brexit, Covid-19, climate change and the future CAP negotiations.
"I know that Dara will be a very effective minister - he will work hard and diligently at implementing the ambitious commitments in the programme for government."
'A PROUD DAY'
Matt Farrell, chairman, Ballina FF Comhairle Ceanntair, welcomed the appointment as 'a proud day for Ballina and Mayo'.
He said: "Dara will be delighted with the appointment and nobody is more capable of the job than he is.
"It's going to be a tough job, particularly in regard to the Brexit challenges. But he is ideally suited for the task."
Mr. Farrell said he expressed his disappointment a number of weeks ago over the failure of An Taoiseach to appoint Deputy Calleary as a senior minister - stating Micheál Martin would not be welcome in Ballina.
"I can now clearly state that our Taoiseach will be more than welcome in Ballina now," he told Midwest Radio.
Mayo Fianna Fáil Councillor Damien Ryan said the appointment is a massive boost for the party in Mayo and western region.
"The circumstances are regrettable in view of Barry Cowen being removed from the position.
"But the man now appointed to the role will be more than competent in the position.
"I wish him well," stated the Ballinrobe-based representative.
Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh extended her heartiest congratulations to Dara on his successful appointment as Minister for Agriculture.
"I am delighted for him, Siobhan and the Calleary family. As they say 'what's for you won't go by you'.
"I look forward to working with Dara in a constructive and collaborative manner to secure a better deal for farm families particularly in Mayo and the West.
"It'll be no surprise to him that I will be holding him to account to ensure equity and fairness in farming.
"This is a critical time for farming. The new CAP Programme presents opportunities for convergence, prices and equity in entitlements. We must grasp these opportunities."