The four sitting former Democratic Left TDs have been given high-profile positions in the new Labour front bench but the previous leader, Mr Dick Spring, at his own request, has no role in the rearranged line-up.
Some 24 hours after the formal merger, the Labour leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, yesterday announced the party president, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, would fill Mr Spring's old role as foreign affairs spokesman.
However, Mr Quinn will maintain responsibility for Northern Ireland and, as expected, Mr Brendan Howlin will continue as deputy leader. Mr Howlin will also be the party's spokesman on justice, a move that has led to Mr Pat Upton taking on communications and sport.
Labour's prodigal son, Mr Michael Bell, is back on the front bench after a stormy patch in his relationship with the leadership over the nomination of the Leinster candidate for the European elections. Mr Bell, who recently returned to the parliamentary party after resigning for a brief spell, has been made spokesman on marine and natural resources.
All the pre-merger Labour TDs have been presented with portfolios, bringing to 20 the total number of spokespeople in the Dail shadowing Ministers. Just six of the original front bench have retained the portfolios they held prior to the reshuffle caused by the merger. The latest politician to join the party, Senator Brendan Ryan, has been rewarded also and joins the party's three other Seanad spokespeople.
After much speculation, Mr Pat Rabbitte has been given the task of marking the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, in enterprise, trade and employment. Labour's Dublin North East TD, Mr Tommy Broughan, made way for Mr Rabbitte - who also becomes assistant whip - but he managed to maintain a relatively high-profile portfolio as spokesman on social and community affairs.
Mr Derek McDowell remains in finance.
Another former Democratic Left TD, Ms Liz McManus, has been given the health brief, a position held by Ms Roisin Shortall who will now act as spokeswoman for children and the family. A Labour spokesman last night said Ms Shortall was quite happy with the move.
Mr Eamon Gilmore will become Labour's new spokesman on environment and local government.
The party's former arts minister, Mr Michael D. Higgins, is to swap with Mr Brian O'Shea. Mr Higgins will take the education and science brief while Mr O'Shea becomes spokesman for arts, heritage, Gaeltacht and the islands.
Mr Emmet Stagg will be the new chief whip and spokesman on transport and energy. Mr Michael Ferris is also to become assistant whip.
Ms Breeda Moynihan-Cronin moves to tourism and recreation; Ms Jan O'Sullivan remains in equality and law reform. Kildare TD Mr Jack Wall remains as defence spokesman; Mr Willie Penrose retains responsibility for agriculture; Mr Sean Ryan is to stay on as spokesman on old people's issues; the party's sole MEP, Ms Bernie Malone, also holds her portfolio of European affairs.
Senators Joe Costello, Kathleen O'Meara and Pat Gallagher have been given expansive portfolios as spokespeople in the Seanad alongside Senator Ryan.