New Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald (64) was first elected as a TD for Dublin South-East in 1992, but lost her seat in 2002.

However, she was then elected to the Seanad in 2007 and served as the Fine Gael leader in the Upper House until winning a Dáil seat in Dublin Mid-West in the 2011 election.

Ms Fitzgerald emerged as staunch ally of Enda Kenny, particularly during the 2010 heave against Mr Kenny, and she was appointed as the first Minster for Children of senior Cabinet rank, a position that had only previously been a junior ministerial portfolio, by the Fine Gael-Labour Coalition.

Her main achievements during her term include passing the children’s referendum and introducing the children’s first legislation.

Originally from Limerick, Ms Fitzgerald was formerly chairperson of the National Women's Council and vice-president of European Women's Lobby.

Her reputation as a Kenny ally is likely to have worked in her favour when the Taoiseach looked for a replacement for Alan Shatter.

She is married to Michael Fitzgerald and has three sons.