Varadkar tipped to replace Reilly in health

Varadkar tipped to replace Reilly in health

Monday, December 23, 2013

James Reilly is likely to be replaced by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar in the Cabinet reshuffle next year, senior sources predict.

By Michael OKane, Political Editor

Mr Kenny said: I certainly would like to see that people who work very hard and who show real ability should be given a chance to demonstrate that.

Sources said senior ministers were now openly criticising his complete lack of management skills at the crisis-laden health department and they fear that Dr Reillys dismal performance will hinder the Coalitions efforts for re-election in 2016.

His replacement could be Leo Varadkar, who is a medical doctor, is viewed as a top performer in the transport and tourism brief. Sources say such an appointment would be designed to test him out and keep the minister, whos not afraid to voice his opinions, on a short leash.

The announcement is being interpreted as a warning to those on the frontbench to stay on their toes and deliver dynamic and jobs-friendly departmental submissions as part of the Governments medium-term economic strategy.

Labour Party sources said while Tnaiste Eamon Gilmore will move himself out of Foreign Affairs to help concentrate party efforts on the 2016 election, there is no sign of Pat Rabbitte, in communications, or Ruairi Quinn, in education, willingly stepping aside for the likes of Alex White, Sen Sherlock or Aodhn Rordin.

A lot will also depend on the results of next Mays European and local elections, as to whether there is an appetite for the Coalition partners to switch ministerial portfolios.

See the article here:
Varadkar tipped to replace Reilly in health