Micheál Martin announces new Fianna Fáil frontbench

In bringing together this frontbench I have decided to draw on the party’s full base of TDs, Senators, councillors and candidates. We have hundreds of representatives in all parts of the country and I am determined that we find ways of harnessing all of their energy and experience.

While the majority have not held Cabinet positions, all have shown a commitment to the development of innovative policies and a practical agenda to move our country forward.

I am very pleased that Mary Hanafin has agreed to serve as Deputy Leader. We share a vision of our Party campaigning with energy on the basis of a renewed programme and reaching out to people in all parts of the country.

Overall, fourteen of the twenty one names I am announcing have not served in Cabinet. With the exception of Mary Hanafin, who will serve as spokesperson on Environment & Local Government, I have asked serving ministers to continue to be spokespeople in their areas.

In addition to appointing spokespersons to cover current Government Departments I am creating positions which relate to key elements of the political, financial and public service reform programme which we will be setting out during this campaign.

As we reach the eve of the election campaign it is increasingly clear that the people want an election of substance which is focused on the future. For our part, Fianna Fáil is determined that the people will see a campaign which is as serious as the issues our country faces.

Micheál Martin announces the new Fianna Fáil frontbench. Click on the play button below to listen.

The new Fianna Fáil Frontbench is as follows:

• Spokesperson on Environment & Local Gov and Deputy Leader Mary Hanafin TD
• Spokesperson on Finance Brian Lenihan TD
• Spokesperson on Justice & Law Reform John Curran TD
• Spokesperson on Health & Children Barry Andrews TD
• Spokesperson on Education & Skills Mary Coughlan TD
• Spokesperson on Social Protection Eamon O Cuiv TD
• Spokesperson on Enterprise, Employment & Innovation Dara Calleary TD
• Spokesperson on Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Brendan Smith TD
• Spokesperson on Tourism & Arts Senator Marc McSharry
• Spokesperson on Defence Niall Collins TD
• Spokesperson on Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey TD
• Spokesperson on Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Willie O'Dea TD
• Spokesperson on Transport Billy Kelleher TD
• Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Trade Peter Power TD
• Spokesperson on Political Reform Averil Power
• Spokesperson on Financial Sector Reform Michael McGrath TD
• Spokesperson on Public Sector Reform Sean Fleming TD
• Spokesperson on Sport Darragh O'Brien TD
• Spokesperson on Small Business John McGuinness TD
• Spokesperson on Housing & Urban Development Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick
• Legal Adviser to the Frontbench and Spokesman on Constitutional Reform Cllr Jim O'Callaghan Senior Counsel