Breen in the frame for top table post

THE possible departure of European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton from Cabinet could pave the way for a top-table promotion for Clare Fine Gael Deputy Pat Breen.
Minister Creighton could be sacked as minister and lose the party whip if, as expected, she votes against the controversial Termination of Pregnancy Bill, which was scheduled to go through the final stages in the Dáil late on Wednesday night.

Deputy Breen features in a shortlist of contenders, along with Fine Gael deputies Damien English, Gerry Buttimer and Pascal Donohue, who are waiting in the wings as a possible successor to Minister Creighton.

While one party source claimed Deputy Donohue is the favourite, as he is currently the deputy chairperson of the European Affairs committee, Deputy Breen is considered to have “a good sporting chance” of promotion.

When contacted by The Clare Champion, Deputy Breen, the Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for Human Rights and Overseas Development Aid, declined to comment on media speculation that he felt was premature in advance of a vacancy that had not arisen.

It is expected that if Minister Creighton is forced to leave her post, her successor may not be appointed until the Dáil resumes later this year and could form part of a wider Cabinet reshuffle.