Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny presented his new Frontbench team yesterday afternoon but produced few surprises. The general view had been that he would bring back some of the dissidents, promote some of those who stood by him and resurrect a couple of old hands who seemed to be in semi-retirement. He did all of that.  

Richard Bruton, the leader of the abortive coup, accepted the role of spokesman for enterprise, jobs and economic planning. His old role as finance spokesman has been given to former party leader Michael Noonan. Mr Bruton's other role as deputy leader has been given to Dr James Reilly, who continues as spokesman on health. Another name from the past who is back in the limelight, as spokesman on Foreign Affairs, is Seán Barrett.  

Other dissidents who were given new roles were Simon Coveney, Charlie Flanagan, Fergus O'Dowd and Leo Varadkar. Those who lost out were Brian Hayes, Denis Naughten, Michael Creed, and Olivia Mitchell, while for personal reasons Olwyn Enright and Billy Timmins did not wish to be reappointed.

It was a good day for the cynics who asked how those who thought that Enda Kenny was unfit to lead the party two weeks ago are now ready to serve him loyally. Richard Bruton, who said earlier that it would be hypocritical of him to serve under Mr Kenny, now accepts that there will be those who will call him a hypocrite.

Others will point out that, should Michael Noonan and Seán Barrett be appointed ministers after the next election, they will not require State cars as they will have the free travel pass given to everyone aged 66 or over.

"Divide and conquer" was a phrase used more than once as analysts speculated on how those who lost their jobs will now view the man they backed suffering no more than a degree of humiliation. There was also a hint from some that perhaps it was Brian Hayes and Denis Naughten who orchestrated the heave against Mr Kenny.

Finally the role of women in the Fine Gael party was questioned. While TDs Deirdre Clune and Catherine Byrne were ostensibly appointed to the Frontbench, their areas of responsibility are covered in Government by junior ministers. Mr Kenny named 21 on his Frontbench, an increase of three, and five more than he would be able to appoint as ministers should be he someday become Taoiseach.

Dáil passes Civil Partnership Bill

The Dáil yesterday passed the Civil Partnership Bill which will give legal rights to same-sex couples. While there were some homosexuals who argued that the Bill should have gone further, and allowed same sex couples to marry, the passing of the legislation was widely welcomed within the gay community and was applauded by those who occupied the public gallery in the Dáil for the debate.

The only contentious issue raised was the refusal of Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to include a conscience clause which would allow registrars to opt out of officiating at ceremonies involving same sex couples.

Arrest after Co. Wicklow murder

A 66-year-old famer was shot dead in his home near Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow yesterday evening, in what appears to have been a domestic dispute. Gardaí were called to the scene where they arrested another man in his 60s and recovered a shotgun.

The victim has been named as Walter Tomkins, whose mother died just over a week ago. It is reported that there was a family dispute about where she should be buried.

Construction workers' pay to be cut by 7.5%

The Labour Court has recommended that the pay of construction workers should be cut by 7.5%, in line with cuts imposed by Government on construction workers in the public sector. The Construction Industry Federation had applied for a 20% cut in the rate prescribed under a Registered Employment Agreement. It argued that Northern contractors were winning many tenders in the South as they were able to bring workers in from the North on substantially lower rates than are mandatory for companies based in the Republic.

Paisley criticises Pope's visit

Rev. Ian Paisley is making news today by criticising the decision to invite Pope Benedict XVI to visit Britain in the autumn. He was speaking prior to his formal admission next week as a member of the House of Lords.

O'Driscoll-Huberman wedding today

There is significant media interest in  the wedding today of Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll and actress Amy Huberman, which takes place at St Joseph's Church, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim, with the reception at Lough Rynn Castle Hotel near Mohill. Gardaí have had to make special traffic arrangements as the Connacht Fleadh Ceoil is taking place in Mohill over the weekend.

Today's Papers

The Irish Times and the Irish Independent lead with the appointments announced yesterday by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, with "Noonan and Bruton get top posts in Fine Gael front bench" and "Kenny takes command as rebels put in their place" respectively.

The Irish Examiner takes Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly's annual report as its main focus, with "Ombudsman attacks HSE's ‘rotten culture of secrecy'".

The Irish News reports on the anomaly of A&E services being withdrawn from Belfast City Hospital while at the same time a grant is being given for an Eleventh Night bonfire outside the hospital. The story runs under the headline "Hospital's A&E to close but bonfire outside it returns - with a grant".

The Weather in Moville

It is sunny and windy but we are told the rain is not too far away. Temperature 17C

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