Taoiseach Bertie Ahern this morning formally appointed the new Progressive Democrat leader Michael McDowell as Tánaiste.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the new Taniste, Michael McDowell
Mr Ahern signed the statutory instrument required to facilitate the appointment.
Mr McDowell took over unopposed as leader of the PDs from Mary Harney on Monday.
Mr McDowell will continue in his role as Minister for Justice and Ms Harney will remain as Minister for Health.
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The pair were due to attend their first Cabinet meeting in their new positions this morning.