Many Fianna Fáil junior ministers and backbenchers are hoping to be promoted by Micheál Martin following Jack Chambers's elevation to Minister of Finance. Photograph: Dara Mac DónaillHis promotion has thrown open a contest for his position as a super-junior Minister of State who sits at Cabinet. Mr Chambers was the Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment.
Also under consideration, but perhaps being viewed as longer shots, are Christopher O’Sullivan, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and Padraig O’Sullivan. The final decision on the new appointments may not be announced until Thursday. Mr Harris also described Mr McGrath as “a dedicated public servant, a skilled Minister and an extremely diligent and hard worker”.