FG call for cabinet return for O’Donoghue
New Taoiseach Brian Cowen is being urged to reconsider the appointment of South Kerry TD John O’Donoghue to the role of Ceann Comhairle. The new Fianna Fail leader is to take over as Taoiseach this week when it is expected he will reshuffle the cabinet.
John O’Donoghue was appointed Ceann Comhairle by outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern after the general election last year.
Now his fellow South Kerry TD, Tom Sheahan says he should be returned to a ministerial position.
“South Kerry is being left behind when it comes to grant aid, job creation and infrastructure. We need a strong voice at the cabinet table, this is absent at the moment. J
“John O’Donoghue was a superb Minister who brought massive financial aid to South Kerry. We need him back in the cabinet where he can continue his hard and fruitful work for the constituency,” Tom Sheahan told Kerry’s Eye.
Tom Sheahan, the FG Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture with Special Responsibility for Fisheries, is insisting that party politics need to put aside for the benefit of South Kerry.
“John is a very able and committed politician who has the best interests of South Kerry at heart. Hopefully Brian Crown will see that his talents are lost as Ceann Comhairle.”
This move by Sheehan is a master stroke. He is getting an incredible amount of goodwill from his statement.
Should O’Donoghue get a Ministerial post it would almost surely guarantee that Sheehan would be re elected in the next general election. As it stands O’Donoghue will not have to stand for re election due to his Ceann Comhairle role leaving just two seat to be fought out in South Kerry.
This would leave FF in a strong position to win one if not the two seats.
However if O’Donoghue reverts back to a Ministerial role then the next general election will be fought out for three seats leaving FG in a stronger position to retain the seat won by Sheehan last summer.
Daly in the picture
When outgoing Taoiseach Bertie Ahern wooed American politicians with his epic speech in the joint houses of Congress in Washington last week, photographers from the world’s media were quick to snap Ireland’s most famous Dub. And pictures published in the Irish media featured FF young gun Mark Daly from Kenmare at Bertie’s shoulder, along with Senator Ted Kennedy and Representative Richard Nash as they admired a sword of Thomas Francis Meagher.
Daly is being tipped for a successful political future and judging by the company he kept in Washington, the sky seems to be the limit for the South Kerry man.
His profile is increasing dramatically over the past few months which would suggest he is hoping for a higher profile before the next general election. He is certainly one to watch.
€200k for Ballyduff Resource Centre
Funding of €200,000 has been allocated to Ballyduff Family and Community Resource Centre according to North Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Tom McEllistrim
“I am delighted that the centre, based in Ballyduff, will receive this significant funding which is a capital grant for building development under the National Childcare Investment programme (NCIP).
The Ballyduff Family and Community Resource Centre provides a valuable service for Tralee and the surrounding area. I will continue to lobby for further community resources,” said Tom McEllistrim.
O’Donoghue welcomes childcare cash
Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue TD has welcomed childcare funding for Kerry. Listry Community Council will receive an additional capital grant of €127,000 under the National Childcare Investment Programme.
“I very much welcome this funding under the National Childcare Investment Programme announced by Brendan Smith TD Minister with special responsibility for children.
“I am pleased that Sneem Community Development Council will receive an additional €39,000 for staffing costs under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme.
“I want to commend both these community organisations for the valuable work they are doing in the important area of childcare.”