Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defended his decision not to appoint Dara Calleary as a full Cabinet minister. Speaking exclusively to the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin insisted his deputy leader and Government Chief Whip Dara Calleary will have a central role in the government. So each leader had limited scope to appoint the appropriate person to the appropriate portfolio,” Mr Martin told the Irish Examiner. Mr Martin said it was a “lovely surprise” to arrive home to a guard of honour from his neighbours, friends and family at his home in Ballinlough, Cork on Sunday. But Mr Martin did not have long to enjoy the festivities, as he returned to Dublin late last night.

Source: Irish Examiner June 29, 2020 05:03 UTC