Minister for Agriculture and Defence Simon Coveney has received praise from an unexpected quarter.

Socialist Party TD Clare Daly congratulated him on his additional appointment as Minister for Defence as well has having responsibility for Agriculture, the Marine and Food.

She said: “I don’t know what the farmers were giving out about. I think you are one of a handful of people who could admirably handle the two posts and I wish you well in that.”

She was speaking as Mr Coveney dealt with his first Dáil question time as Minister for Defence.

Mr Coveney smiled and thanked her for her good wishes.

Ms Daly has been vehement in her criticism of Government Ministers since the Coalition took office and has only once before praised a Minister.

Just before the Cabinet reshuffle the Dublin North TD complimented outgoing minister for transport Leo Varadkar, when she said she was sorry he would be moving on.

She told the Dáil then that “while I may not agree with any of his policies, the way in which he conducts himself, and the competence of the department and his handling of it, has been impressive”. She added: “From that point of view, I will be sorry to see him lose the brief.”

A stunned Mr Varadkar responded: “That’s like praise from Caesar.”

Both Mr Coveney and Mr Varadkar are viewed as potential future leaders of Fine Gael.