FOREIGN Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has been announced as the new Tanaiste of Ireland.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the announcement in the Dail in the last hour.
Heather Humphreys has been announced as the new Business Minister, while Joseph Madigan has been nominated to take over the Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht portfolio.
The news follows Tuesday’s resignation of Frances Fitzgerald as Tanaiste.
Deputy Fitzgerald's decision to stand aside came after a week of criticism from opposition parties over her handling of an email in May 2015 which alluded to the Garda legal strategy against whistleblower Maurice McCabe.
A Fianna Fáil motion of no confidence in the former justice minister had threatened to bring an end to their confidence & supply agreement with Fine Gael - which would have seen the collapse of the minority Government.
However, Deputy Fitzgerald's decision on Tuesday to resign - only hours before the Fianna Fáil motion was due to be debated - averted a Christmas election.
Sources close to the Taoiseach have said Leo Varadkar recognised the “loyalty and support” given by the Corkman in recent days and weeks as the McCabe emails controversy threatened to bring down the Government. Mr Varadkar also believes Mr Coveney has been particularity strong on Brexit as Foreign Affairs Minister.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and newly appointed Tanaiste Simon Coveney (right). (Picture: Getty Images)Coveney is due to take over the role of Deputy Prime Minister, effective immediately.
