Castlemaine native, Pat Carey was appointed as Government Chief Whip by the new Taoiseach, Brian Cowen last night. Though Kerry will be disappointed that the county has no senior minister in the latest re-shuffle, Deputy Carey will sit at the Cabinet table and will have the important job of liaising with Independent TDs, like Jackie Healy Rae, who support the current coalition.by Owen O'Shea
The former teacher has been Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin North West since June 1997.
He has also been named Minister for State at the Department of Defence.
Renowned as a capable and articulate performer, he was born in Castlemaine in 1947 and has maintained close links with Kerry over the years.
As Chief Whip, he will sit behind the Taoiseach in the Dáil and will be responsible for the legislative programme and for ensuring a full attendance of government TDs at Dáil votes.
Tralee man Paul Gallagher, who has been Attorney General since the election last year, has been re-appointed to the position.