The new Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, has given a portfolio to each of his 19 TDs and Senators and one MEP, warning that they will provide "vigorous and forceful opposition".
Announcing his changes last night Mr Quinn confirmed that in keeping with party tradition he would as leader hold the Northern Ireland brief, but his predecessor, Mr Dick Spring, will continue to be spokesman for foreign affairs.
Deputy leader Mr Brendan Howlin, who lost the leadership battle to Mr Quinn by 10 votes, will retain the environment portfolio as well as local government.
The Dublin TD Mr Derek McDowell has been promoted to the important finance brief. Mr Michael D. Higgins will, as expected, become spokesman for arts, heritage, Gaeltacht and the islands, as well as broadcasting.
At yesterday's meeting of the Parliamentary party, the first since Mr Quinn's election, Mr Emmet Stagg was unanimously elected chief whip. He will also act as Labour spokesman on public enterprise. The PLP chairman, Mr Michael Bell, retains the post and will also move from social welfare to the defence brief.
The South Tipperary TD, Mr Michael Ferris, who publicly declared on behalf of Mr Howlin in the leadership contest, is assistant whip and spokesman on tourism, sport and recreation. Mr Brian O'Shea is spokesman on education and science.
Other portfolios include Mr Tommy Broughan in enterprise, trade and employment; Ms Roisin Shortall in health and children; Ms Breda Moynihan-Cronin in social, community and family affairs; Mr Willie Penrose in agriculture and food; Mr Pat Upton in justice, equality and law reform.
The party's sole MEP, Ms Bernie Malone, is to be spokeswoman on European Affairs. The new Labour TD, Mr Jack Wall, is to be marine and natural resources spokesman.
The party's four members in the Upper House - Senators Joe Costello, Sean Ryan, Kathleen O'Meara and Pat Gallagher - will each hold multiple portfolios.
Mr Tom Butler is to move from the role of press officer to press director while his colleague, Mr Ronan O'Brien, is to be special adviser to Mr Quinn. There are no plans yet to fill the post of political director held by Mr Fergus Finlay, who retired last week.