Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan said the Government has no plans for a reshuffle in the wake of the disastrous local and European elections.
Speaking on RTÉ radio this morning Ms Coughlan said the Taoiseach has given no indications there would be a reshuffle but it is up to him to decide.
In light of recent criticism in some sections the media Ms Coughlan also defended her record as a minister and said she wants to stay on as both Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Tánaiste.
“We have been working very very hard night and day trying to make sure that what we need to do in creating an enterprise culture has been done.”
Answering rumours that she would be one of the ministers sacrificed in any reshuffle she said: “I would know from all of the colleagues that I work with, the 15 that sit around the [Cabinet] table that is not the situation.”
“Moreover there is no mention of a reshuffle,” she added.
Ms Coughlan said she wants to remain in her department as it is a “hugely challenging portfolio”.
“I have a great team there who work with me and I feel I have a lot to offer within that department.”
She said the issue of whether she remains as Tánaiste is “a matter for the Taoiseach himself”.
“If you are not up to the job he will certainly tell you and he hasn’t said so,” she added.
“There is no reshuffle, and if there is a reshuffle - which the Taoiseach hasn’t indicated he will have - then it will be a matter for the Taosieach.
“At this moment in time there are more important things to do.
“Really its time to move on, we’ve had a motion of confidence in the Government we have won that, the contribution of the Opposition was pathetic.”
“It’s easy to be a hurler on the ditch - from the Opposition I have heard no policies no frameworks, nothing,” she concluded.
