Fianna Fail TD James Lawless described five weeks of 'very intense, very rigorous engagement' in the lead-up to agreeing a coalition government involving four groups, saying it was 'cordial but robust'.
He said the new government will have a 'comfortable majority' of 95 and added, 'We've produced a programme for government which runs to some 200 pages, which I think captures the essence of what Ireland needs for the next five years...'
The incoming tánaiste will take a beefed-up role as foreign affairs minister, with international trade also being added on, amid a shake-up of departments expected to see Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael swap Justice and Health.
An agreement with the Regional Independent Group is now tied down and a deal has been struck with the Healy-Rae brothers regarding a junior ministry.
#international-trade #fine-gael #coalition-government #political-restructuring #public-administration
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