WHILE a number of Fianna Fail backbenchers are eager to see Defence Minister, Willie O’Dea become the State’s first Minister for Employment, there is very little chance of that happening before the country votes on the Lisbon Treaty in October.
According to Suzanne Coogan, Minister O’Dea’s Dail secretary, several deputies are of the opinion that Mr O’Dea “would be great as Minister for Jobs and also very effective as Minister for Justice or Finance.
“However, it’s very unlikely that there will be a reshuffle until after Lisbon and any appointments are of course in the gift of the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen.
“It’s rumoured that An Bord Snip is recommending a new ministerial appointment – Minister for Employment but as that’s not published yet, this is still mere speculation. We will have to wait and see but Mr O’Dea would be brilliant in any of the portfolios mentioned – Finance, Justice or Employment,” Ms Coogan told the Limerick Post.
There is consensus that O’Dea is deserving of a more high profile ministry than defence. He is a qualified acountant and barrister. He is Ireland’s top vote catcher for Fianna Fail.
