Dick RochePosition: Minister of State for European Affairs
Age:
60
Party:Fianna Fáil
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Constituency:Wicklow
Political career:First elected in 1987, he never concealed his ministerial ambitions and was bitterly disappointed to be dropped yesterday. He did not conceal his joy when Bertie Ahern promoted him from the junior ministerial ranks to minister for the environment.
Ahern put him down gently yesterday, saying he would be appointed Minister of State for European Affairs and noting that he was recognised across Europe as an outstanding junior minister in that area.