New Mayo TD Lisa is in FF's shadow cabinet

NEWLY-elected Mayo Fianna Fail Deputy Lisa Chambers has been named in Fianna Fáil's shadow cabinet as spokesperson for defence.

Reacting to the promotion, she said: 'Having given 13 years' service in the Reserve Defence Forces, it is an honour and privilege to be taking up this position in an area I feel very passionate about.

'This is a hugely important portfolio given the systematic downgrading of Defence by the last government and the tension this has created within the Defence Forces.

'I am looking forward to meeting with the various stakeholders and to working towards improving conditions for serving members.

'I intend to bring my own experience to the table and as the main opposition spokesperson on defence I will work constructively with all members of the Dail.'

The Castlebar TD is called up along with seven of her party’s new TDs - Darragh O’Brien, Anne Rabbitte, Jim O’Callaghan, Niamh Smyth, Margaret Murphy O’Mahoney, James Browne and John Lahart

The promotion comes as Seán Fleming, John McGuinness and Brendan Smith are dropped from the frontbench by party leader Micheál Martin in the reshuffle