Minister's of State to lose out.
MICHAEL AHERN
Former position:Minister of State at Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment with special responsibility for Innovation Policy.
Age:59.
Constituency:Cork East.
Political Career:Son of the late Liam Ahern TD, he was first elected to the Dáil in 1982. Low media profile but has been re-elected since. May take comfort from fact that a rumour that Ned O'Keeffe was taking take his place proved unfounded.
JOHN BROWNE
Former Position:Minister of State with special responsibility for Fisheries
Age:59.
Constituency:Wexford.
Political Career:Elected to Dáil at first attempt in November 1982.
Member of well-known Fianna Fáil family. Has enjoyed a total of eight years in various junior minister positions and party sources say it was time to make room for new talent. Wexford now left with no ministerial representation.
PAT 'THE COPE' GALLAGHER
Former position:Minister of State at Department of Health & Children.
Age:59.
Constituency:Donegal South-West.
Political Career:First elected TD in 1981, he is one of the longest-serving members of the Dáil and has also done a stint in the European Parliament. Has held junior minister posts in a range of departments. With Mary Coughlan's promotion, it was probably felt that this three-seat constituency had received sufficient political largesse.