Government announces full lineup of junior ministers

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has axed four Ministers of State as part of his overhaul of the government before the forthcoming general election.

Simon Harris will now be the "number two" to Finance Minister Michael Noonan, which is the most significant of all the portfolios

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has axed four Ministers of State as part of his overhaul of the government before the forthcoming general election.

The biggest surprise is the dropping of well-regarded Minister of State Fergus O'Dowd, whereas the demotion of ministers of state John Perry, Dinny McGinley and Ciaran Cannon had been expected.

Kenny has promoted five backbenchers to fill the vacancies, one of which was caused by the election of Minister of State ...