Fine Gael TD Mrs Nora Owen has been promoted to the party's front bench as spokeswoman on tourism and aviation policy, Mr Michael Noonan, the party leader, announced yesterday.
Mrs Owen was deputy party leader under Mr John Bruton but was dropped from that position when Mr Bruton was replaced as leader by Mr Noonan last year.
She is acknowledged to have played a pivotal role in the abortion referendum as Fine Gael's campaign director. Mr Noonan said she had performed excellently in that role and he was confident that she would bring the same qualities to her new role.