Politics

Cabinet reshuffle: High-stakes hybrid of chess and musical chairs

The incoming taoiseach’s first task will be the appointment of his cabinet, and even with limited places, the possible permutations are dizzying

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill speaking at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis in Galway. Carroll MacNeill could be on for a straight swap with Naughten into the chief whip’s role. Picture: Andrew Downes

When Simon Harris returns from Áras an Uachtaráin on Tuesday as the country’s new taoiseach, his first job will be to appoint fresh faces to Fine Gael’s seats at cabinet.

It is famously one of the most difficult jobs for any taoiseach, as the number of available places is always outstripped by the number of eager candidates.

For Harris, it will be even more difficult, due to the fact that his available positions are further limited ...