Coughlan silent on reshuffle

TÁNAISTE Mary Coughlan refused to be drawn on a possible Cabinet reshuffle.

Fine Gael’s Phil Hogan asked if it was Mr Cowen’s intention to move her from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment or move the department.

Ms Coughlan said Mr Hogan knew it was a matter for Mr Cowen.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said he had read in the newspapers that Mr Cowen planned a wide Cabinet reshuffle. “That might explain the nervous looks of some members on the Government’s frontbench yesterday...”

Ms Coughlan said there was no discomfort on the Government’s side.