Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members have voted to ratify the draft Programme for Government that will see both parties form a coalition government

Fine Gael has held the first of five regional meetings with party members over the Programme for Government document.

Letterkenny cllr Jimmy Kavanagh has said that if he were elected to Seanad Éireann it would be an opportunity for Fine Gael to have a voice in Dublin.

Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, in how they assembled their government of choice, are behaving as if they don’t give two figs about perceptions of low standards in high places

Only three of the 15 Ministers are women: Helen McEntee, Jennier Carroll MacNeill and Norma Foley, which makes for a ratio of 80:20 of men to women. Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore has said it is “deeply disappointing” that the number of women in cabinet has reduced by 25 per cent to just three.

Historian and political commentator Brian Feeney has been a columnist with The Irish News for three decades. He is a former SDLP councillor in Belfast and co-author of the award-winning book Lost Lives At Fianna Fáil’s weekend mini-ard fheis, the atmosphere was euphoric, the mood nostalgic. Just like old times.

Renewing her criticism of the deal with Independents behind the formation of the new Government, Ms McDonald said Mr Martin had changed from once describing Michael Lowry TD, key negotiator for the Independents, as a “rogue politician” to now making him a “kingmaker”.

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The Longford-Westmeath TD was only appointed to Cabinet in April after Simon Harris became Taoiseach and with his background in accountancy and business, it is not a surprise that the remains in the role. Pat Leahy reports that his appointment has been confirmed.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has appointed his Cabinet, with major changes having taken place as Jim O’Callaghan received the justice portfolio and James Browne becomes Housing Minister.

Fine Gael’s Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is to become the next health minister alongside other eye-catching promotions within the new government today.

FIANNA Fail will take on the Departments of Children and Transport when the Greens’ ­cabinet positions are carved up this week. And Fine Gael will be given the Energy and Arts roles, The Irish Sun