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JACK CHAMBERS HAS been appointed as Ireland’s new Minister for Finance.
The Dáil voted to formally nominate the Fianna Fáil TD to take over the position from Michael McGrath by a margin of 86 to 60 this afternoon.
Chambers then received his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin this evening.
The Dublin West TD moves up the ranks after outgoing Finance Minister McGrath was nominated as the country’s next European Commissioner yesterday.
During a session of the Dail today, the leaders of the three governing coalition parties praised the outgoing McGrath and congratulated Chambers on his new appointment.
Taoiseach Simon Harris congratulated Chambers and said he looks forward to working closely with him in his role as Finance Minister.
Harris said McGrath had “worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens, through careful management of our public finances” and that he had “skillfully found compromises in a three party coalition in the most challenging of circumstances”.
Táinaiste Micheál Martin said Chambers is “always completely on top of his brief” and “a constructive and focused contributor to deliberations”.
Honoured to be appointed Minister for Finance. I want to thank @mmcgrathtd for his exceptional performance as Minister.
— Jack Chambers TD (@jackfchambers) June 26, 2024
My focus will be to make responsible decisions to protect Ireland’s future and drive economic & social progress for people, communities & our enterprise economy pic.twitter.com/PlllttV0mb
“He has distinguished himself as a committed and tireless servant of the Irish people as government chief whip during the Covid pandemic,” the Fianna Fail leader said.
“While he will indeed be the youngest person nominated to serve as Minister for Finance since Eamon de Valera nominated Michael Collins to the post in April 1919, his experience is already well beyond that of many who have held the post in the past.”
Martin also paid tribute to McGrath, who he said had, along with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, “helped ensure that Ireland limited the economic damage of the pandemic and recovered fast and more comprehensively than most countries”.
Martin said McGrath had “ensured a balanced approach, helping to fund sustainable increases in public services and also encouraging the economic activity essential for job creation and government revenue,” in his time as Minister for Finance.
Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan praised Chambers and welcomed his appointment, noting that they have had their differences while working on transport issues.
“We have had our differences,” Ryan said. “But I think that makes him really qualified for what’s to come, because we were able to overcome differences and still get on. And as Minister for Finance, more than anything else, you need to be able to say no to people.”
Ryan was also full of praise of McGrath.
“We will miss Michael McGrath dearly,” Ryan said, praising his “calm authority”.
“We will miss him, but our whole union will benefit him being in Brussels.”
It wasn’t all praise and congratulations on the other side of the Dáil chamber today though.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said it was “a big day” for both Chambers and McGrath but swiftly turned to policy issues.
In the context of McGrath’s move to the EU Commission, she said Ireland must “confront and condemn” the actions of its President Ursula von der Leyen, making specific reference to her support for Israel.
In terms of Chambers’ appointment, “Everything will remain exactly the same,” she said.
“The country has had enough of Fine Gael in power and Fianna Fáil propping them up.”
She said a General Election “cannot come soon enough”, which prompted some heckles from the other side of the house.
Labour’s Ged Nash wished Chambers well and also voiced opposition to Ursula von der Leyen.
He said some of the commentary around Chambers’ age had been “patronising” but challenged him to deliver for his generation.
“You owe it to your generation to be much more radical than your predecessors,” he said.
“Don’t be a conservative, be a reformer,” he said, calling on Chambers to “dump the reckless fiscal gimmickry” of Michael McGrath’s Department of Finance and to “stop reinforcing unearned privilege”.
Social Democrat leader Holly Cairns said today was “undoubtedly a really proud day” for Chambers and his family and she empathised with him over the criticism he receives due to his age, saying she has experienced something similar.
But she then asked about the change in personnel in the Cabinet, “Will anyone outside of here notice the difference?”
She challenged Chambers to make use of the Government’s substantial budget surplus, arguing it presented him with an opportunity to bring about changes for ordinary people’s lives.
“The question is, will you take it?”
She said there is a disconnect between strong Government finances and the reality of people struggling with rent and other costs. This is making people “disillusioned”, she said, urging Chambers not to go for a “giveaway” budget in October.
People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd Barrett said he was worried by the discourse around McGrath’s nomination referring to “horse-trading” around re-electing von der Leyen as Commission President, who he said is “complicit in genocide”.
He also criticised the Government’s handling of the RTÉ financial crisis, saying that the burden had fallen on ordinary workers.
“They’re asking workers in RTE to pay the bill,” Boyd Barrett said.
PBP’s Mick Barry said: “Jack Chambers is cut from the same political cloth. He will deliver the same old, same old.”
Chambers, the TD for Dublin West, is to travel to Arás an Uachtaráin where he will receive his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins.
Chambers, who has never led a ministry, will be straight into budget planning, with the summer economic statement due to be published shortly.
Work begins straight away for the new minister, with Chambers due to meet with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe later today.
Donohoe told the minister that he is going to have a “great working relationship” with Chambers, stating that they will deliver the final budget.
It is understood that Chambers replacement in the super junior ministerial role in the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications could be announced tomorrow.
A number of names in the mix include Dara Calleary, Thomas Byrne and Mary Butler. A vacancy will then be available in a junior ministry, allowing someone from the backbenches to move up the ladder.
James Lawless and Niamh Smyth have been mentioned as possibilities.
McGrath will sit in the backbenches until his new position becomes clear in Europe and the Commission sits in the autumn.
With reporting from David Mac Redmond
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God help us all.
@David Field: and the Pride disco cancelled
@Mr “JonnieBoy” Johnson: postponed not cancelled
@christine downey: well it doesn’t coincide with Jacks appointment
@Mr “JonnieBoy” Johnson: what has jack got to do with the cancellation of an lgbt disco in wickoow?
@brian madden: really Brian, cmon.
What’s the idea having Ministers, Super Junior Ministers and Junior Ministers. It’s a gravy train that aint stopping any station soon!!
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: have you been living in a cave for decades ? Ministers of States are required as number of cabinet ministers is limited by the 90 year old Constitution
@Pat Hazzard: Rubbish! That’s an FF answer, absolutely no need for all the makie up Ministers and Subs etc. Just rewarding the licks in the government!!!
@Pat Hazzard: And???
@Pat Hazzard: have you been living in a cave Pat ? There 63 MP’s for the London Metropolitan area , London with 1 if the main financial areas in the world , and all the credentials of G7
Yet we have this leeching bunch here with political dynasties all too quick to keep the gravy amongst themselves and create posts that are deemed ” crucial ”
Absolutely sickening
What happened the last time FF had hold of the nation’s finances? We went from 40 billion in debt to 240 billion. Now FF are only trusting the nation’s finances onto a person WITHOUT financial experience.
@9QRixo8H: They have held it with Mc Grath for 18months, the crash was a global event and we were totally exposed due to cheap money after the dot.com burst we recovered so quick SSIAs we’re introduced to stem domestic inflation the 1990s weren’t to bad, devaluation of the Punt hurt but we recovered again and we got our house in order for joining the Euro, 70s and 80s were a total mess by all parties and of course back handers were plentiful.
@Paul O’Mahoney: you trust him?
@9QRixo8H: Additionally, yes, Gross Debt is 240bn but as a % of GDP and GNI is very good in comparison to, say, France.
We run a budgetary surplus and have done for a while now. Again, France runs a deficit, and our economy is doing well financially, but it’s how it get down to the ordinary people is the problem, we have a very progressive tax system that in truth needs to reward the workers more, a 30% tax rate needs to be introduced for those in the 40- 70k bracket…….but overall we are financially well.
@Paul O’Mahoney: 13% of the nation earns 60,000 or above. So you’re not going to get down to the ordinary people with that tax bracket. Perhaps stronger workers’ pay and rights would reach more people, but then we’d need a left govt for once. “Financially well” but FG had the portfolio until this year.
@9QRixo8H: I’ve never met him , I know Mc Grath personally and was never a fan but he is a nice person and has helped my mother with stuff in the past, as TD .
Chambers seems intelligent and has his degree overall. The job is one of curator the Civil Service do most of the main lifting budget wise, he appears to articulate well and he’s young…..time will tell domestically our economy is strong but global events might change, for example French Banking is under pressure if that wobbles it’s a different game.
@9QRixo8H: Mc Grath delivered the budget last year and was minister since Jan 23….I think.
@9QRixo8H: Well earning 42k and then getting taxed at 40% on anything above that is to steep a jump, €1000 pa per 10000 earned extra isn’t a kings ransom but it’s something and us less than 50% we pay 52% on everything over 70 odd grand which is probably the highest in Europe.
@Paul O’Mahoney: would you get the top financial job in a company because you were “a nice person, helped people and seem intelligent” despite having no experience?
@Paul O’Mahoney: that 52% of tax was introduced by FFG.
@9QRixo8H: Yes along with abilities and certain other qualities….Brian Lenihan was a nice guy just got caught up in a global catastrophe.
We learned from that and if it happens again we’ll see what is done.
@9QRixo8H: it’s 40% tax 4% prsi and 8% USC , does it matter who introduced it? The country needed money and still does but it’s how it’s spent is the real issue.
@Paul O’Mahoney: if FFG managed the finances well, they wouldn’t be having us paying 52% in tax, which is “the highest in Europe” as you mentioned. Taxes they introduced.
@9QRixo8H: Most countries especially in Europe are between 48 and 50% on average but their governments seem to be able to do things with the money raised properly. We were in Cork this week, it’s my home town and it looks worse than I have ever seen weeds on payments….dirty looking, 50% for high earners seems fair and about 45% sub 80k seems equitable but using the money wisely is the key.
@9QRixo8H: don’t trust any politician.
@Paul O’Mahoney: Pure spin & deflection, Fianna Fail drove this country over a cliff edge, destroying many lives for decades. Anyone such as yourself serving up excuses, is just a party hack deflecting on behalf of the Brown Envelope party.
@9QRixo8H:
Our OAPS pay 40pc on all Income over €18000??..
@SV3tN8M4: Well, firstly, I’m not a party hack. Secondly, what excuses? Yes, FF was at the wheel when the economy crashed multiple times. However, they were also at the wheel when things were better economically.
I know you like to blow your trumpet no matter how inaccurate your drivel is. My approach is different it deals with facts, and I understand facts aren’t your friends, but remember your personal views are only personal views and of little value just like you worthless.
I don’t get this, if the TD wants something to do with Europe then become an MEP, to be it comes across a bit cute hoorish, sitting as a TD also. Nothing against Chambers but this is a serious Ministry that needs a serious safe set of hands, he’s been tip away at handy numbers ministry wise. Not sure if I agree with it.
@Dave C:
Should have placed Jack Chambers into Health Ministry
He has all necessary qualifications. Moved Stephen Donnelly into Finance, he is not happy with his portfolio, and it shows,
A very simple reshuffle . Much stronger government and I feel more acceptable
@sean callan: Stephen donnelly? No, master of talking and no delivery
@sean callan: this is a joke I assume? Donnelly who has never done anything of substance anywhere into finance!? Holy jaysus.
@Ronan M: Donnelly has done more for women’s health in 4 years than previous 4 decades, delivered one of the best Covid vaccine programmes in the world, new consultants contract, reduced waiting lists etc etc
@sean callan:
A supreme example of a non functioning government
Square Plugs placed in Round Tables??
@Sean Callan: Sean Callan
Oops ,, Square plugs pushed into Round Holes???
Any politician should be able to handle the finance gig. Most know how to hide assets before they reach puberty.
@bruce banner: Wow, that has to be the silliest post here for a long time.
Finance isn’t about hiding assets it’s about setting budgets and getting the budget holders to comply with their respective plans.
Why you think it’s about assets or are you just trying to be cool?
@Paul O’Mahoney: I’d imagine it was a joke, albeit not a very good one. And btw, the role is a lot more wide ranging than just budget related: the holder heads up the dept of finance and is responsible for the achievement of the governments economic, fiscal and financial policy goals. The minister for public expenditure is more directly involved in budget setting and monitoring than the minister for finance.
@Paul O’Mahoney: Those budgets keep swelling on the back of the tax payer who are struggling with the COL.
@SYaxJ2Ts: Yes, but the main job is budgetary discipline, setting, most of the operational stuff mentioned are done be the Civil service and others . Minsters of Finance are doing Debits and Credits or reconciliations of Bank Accounts.
@another one? what’s going on is the semi state sec: Well, things have to be paid for are the government is doing a good job with taxpayers’ money, NO, and no government does. It’s a fact of life.
@Paul O’Mahoney: I’m not talking about operational stuff like bank reconciliations ffs. It’s a wide ranging strategic role covering as you say department budgets, but also tax, international finance, EU, investments, governance, banking, to name but a few. And as I said, the minister for public expenditure has a much more hands on role with the budgeting process
@Paul O’Mahoney: *aren’t doing
@SYaxJ2Ts: He’ll have all the specialist civil service at his disposal who will advise him……he won’t be making many decisions with them or the EU.
He looks like he’s still getting his pocket money.
@Bryan: Might be an advantage and he might keep some of ours for a rainy day.
This isn’t democracy. 2 Party leaders in the govt gone (or soon to be gone) in 2024, a Finance Minister changing today, and 4 current unoccupied TD positions in Clare, Offaly, Kilkenny and Dublin. General Election now !!
@John Manahan:
Back room of a pub in South Armagh is not exactly the best way of picking a leader to run a party in a modern western democracy.
@John Manahan: Actually a government picking who’s a minister is exactly how democracy works. Whatever party or parties have most Tds get to be in government. That’s how it works
@John Manahan: maybe not but it’s how a representative democracy works, which is what we have.
Where in his CV has he the qualification to become Minister of Finance?? Filling up these positions with lackies who have not been educated in their remit, is like making Joe the Blacksmith down the road… Minister for Education!!!
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: Or filling the post of President with someone that got their second level education in an abattoir.
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: He has a degree in political science which is more that Doherty who wasn’t a civil engineer eventhough he said he was….in 2010
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: The 12 advisors will be the minister of education, hell just be the face of it.
@Paul O’Mahoney: He did a Bertie on his qualifications alright.
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: He may need to do a post grad course in unemployed West Belfast barmanology to bring him up to speed.
It really inspires confidence in the government seeing someone who brings such a vast wealth of financial inexperience with him being appointed to such an important position…
@William Tallon: none of the other parties economics briefs are held by people qualified in economics. Or, in the case of p. Doherty anything at all, as we discovered despite his lying about his qualification
@Alan: Doherty lied that he was a Civil Engineer but quit the course to be a traffic controller ( lollipop man).
33 years of age. Ridiculous.
@Niall Cassidy: why ?
@Pat Hazzard: name me a post that he would have ascertained like this in the private sector without ZERO FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE ?
You’ll be searching a very long time Pat
Anyone unhappy at Garda Ryan’s predicament ?
Would you look at at the head on that blue shirt.lol Now there’s a man of the people.omg
@Wayne Shoes: omg Wayne he’s not Fine Gael, he’s Fianna Fáil, so he’s not a Blueshirt
@Wayne Shoes: This is the silliest post .
Does his Mam know?
May aswel let him at it,what’s in there at the min couldn’t run a bath let alone a country.
@Paddy C: can’t do much worse it’s already arseways
That gig should be given to Helen McEntee.
I would live to see all those than comment negatively or make snark comments would run in the next general election seeing as the are all so clever with their comments and obviously know all the answers. Of course that actually means doing something other than typing into a keyboard . Everyone knows next Government will be FF FG with probably the Green Party
@Peter Byrne: Constant moaning and whining from you.. why don’t you put your money where your mouth is and run yourself, instead of making snide remarks about those you disagree with and complaining about others.
In fact you’d fit right into FG, always crying about when others do what you do.
@Michale Kane: actually I wasn’t moaning about anything and as it stands I am involved in my local community. Far as I am concerned Government is doing a fine job in what has been a difficult few years.
Every country in Europe has problems with housing , education, health care and crime.
You only have to read or watching programmes on the British Election. France , Germany, The Netherlands and Spain all have issues with immigrants camping on the streets and similar issues with homelessness.
I was only remarking how not one original idea is put forward to solve any issues or how to fund it
Well giving a minister to someone with an in depth knowledge of that particular subject doesn’t always work out. James’s Reilly is a shining example of that.
Department of finance is really the boss.
How many more will run to the hills with their massive pensions or into some other lucrative role like Mc Grath’s €443K in Europe. There will be another plethora of Ministries handed out between now & the election in October, it’s destroying trust in politics, it’s become a farce worthy of Ballymagash Town Council. I would bet Micheal Martin is next up, having landed some role outside the country. They have no moral authority to continue Governing & Michael D should stand up & call it, if he had any respect for the people. What are these people signing off on or legislation before they are thrown out of office.
@SV3tN8M4: They are signing off on legislation as they are the Government it’s not difficult to understand.
As the local and EU elections have shown who exactly is going to put them out of office.
You really don’t understand very much do you.
Hints at a frugal personality if the elders are trusting this young buck with the purse strings!
I’m not sure a more vapid politician exists. He was canvassing with his mother when I lived in Castleknock. He stands for nothing other than being a politician.
Don’t care they turned blue
Plz there has to be strong irish men left
I see the Shinners still have no European cop-on.
Imagine ringing up your doctor or mechanic and then saying.your.now my accountant !
It really is this ludicrous
have your say