The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, has shored up his own position, rewarded loyalty and encouraged enterprise in an extensive reshuffle involving change for two-thirds of his front bench, writes Denis Coghlan, Chief Political Correspondent
Anger and disappointment flowed from some of the changes.
Ms Róisín Shortall, who has been critical of Mr Quinn's leadership in recent weeks, refused to serve after being offered two positions she regarded as demotion. Others, however, decided to make the best of their new responsibilities. The party's chief whip, Mr Emmet Stagg, retained that function, but declined a choice of portfolios on the basis of his existing heavy workload.
The shake-up is unlikely to precipitate a leadership challenge, although Mr Quinn's position comes up for formal review in the autumn.
Under the party's constitution, Mr Quinn will be reappointed automatically in October if no challenger emerges.
As of now, the only circumstance likely to bring about change would be if Mr Quinn himself opted to step down after years of hard work and a disappointing election result.
On the basis of yesterday's reshuffle, however, when he announced far-reaching changes to his front bench and began to direct his attention to the local elections of 2004, such a development would appear to be unlikely.
In the changes announced yesterday, the party's deputy leader, Mr Brendan Howlin, was appointed spokesman on finance, to replace Mr Derek McDowell, who lost his seat in the general election.
Mr Howlin's previous position as spokesman on justice will be taken over by Mr Pat Rabbitte who, in turn, will be succeeded at enterprise, trade and employment by Mr Tommy Broughan.
Mr Eamon Gilmore will move to communications, marine and natural resources and will be succeeded at environment and local government by Mr Willie Penrose.
Ms Liz McManus will retain the health portfolio, with the added responsibility of children.
Three former TDs who regained their seats, Ms Joan Burton, Mr Joe Costello and Ms Kathleen Lynch, were appointed to high-profile positions at transport; education and science, and arts, sport and tourism, respectively.
Mr Joe Sherlock was given responsibility for defence.
Mr Jack Wall was moved from defence to replace Mr Penrose at agriculture. Mr Brian O'Shea was given responsibility for rural, community and Gaeltacht affairs, and Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin will take over at social and family affairs.
The party president, Mr Proinsias De Rossa MEP, retains responsibility for European affairs. Mr Michael D. Higgins will remain as party spokesman for international affairs. Ms Mary Upton has charge of food safety, consumer affairs and health promotion and Mr Seán Ryan has been reappointed with responsibility for older persons' issues.
Mr Seamus Pattison, although a member of the front bench, holds the position of Leas Ceann Comhairle in the Dáil.
In all, 14 members of the 22- strong parliamentary party were given fresh responsibilities. The extent of the reshuffle is clearly designed to provide a fresh challenge for existing members to create circumstances in which the Labour Party can make a strong impact in the 29th Dáil.