Madam, - The speculation surrounding the replacement for Ivor Callely, former Minister of State at the Department of Transport, will no doubt continue in earnest until the Taoiseach makes an announcement. This may not happen until the New Year.
By all accounts, the post is likely to go to a Dublin-based TD. However, I would like to see the Taoiseach take the opportunity to address the gender imbalance within the party and the Government, as outlined at this year's ardfheis in Killarney.
Mark Hennessy's report of December 9th suggested that Cecilia Keaveney, TD for Donegal North East, has prospects if the Junior Minister job leaves Dublin. I sincerely hope that is the case. It will indeed be interesting to see if the Taoiseach practices what he preaches. - Yours, etc,
SINÉAD McLAUGHLIN, Chairperson, Inishowen Fianna Fáil Women's Group, Maginn Avenue, Buncrana, Co Donegal.