Reilly appoints Harney's former press adviser

THE SPOKESMAN for former minister for health Mary Harney is to be appointed press adviser to Ms Harney’s successor, Dr James Reilly.

Mark Costigan, who served as deputy government press secretary in the last administration, became spokesman for the Progressive Democrats in government in July 2005.

He was reappointed to the same position following the 2007 general election, when a three-party coalition was formed between Fianna Fáil, the Greens and the Progressive Democrats.

He remained in place when the Progressive Democrats folded and Ms Harney continued to serve in government as an Independent minister.

When Ms Harney resigned from the Cabinet in January, Mr Costigan continued editing the coalition government’s online news service, MerrionStreet.ie, until recently.

He was formerly political correspondent with national radio station Today FM.

Fine Gael official Seán Faughnan, who worked on the party’s FairCare plan, is expected to be appointed to advise Dr Reilly on policy matters.

Meanwhile, Simon Nugent, the chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, is expected to be named shortly as an adviser to Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.

Mr Nugent, who has worked with the travel agents association for five years, was once chief executive of the Chambers of Commerce Ireland.

Labour’s legal adviser Finbarr O’Malley is also expected to be announced as an adviser to Mr Rabbitte.