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LAST UPDATE | 18 Nov 2025
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS is to become the new Minister for Finance after Paschal Donohoe confirmed he’s leaving the Dáil to take up a new role at the World Bank.
The Fine Gael TD, who was first elected to the Dáil in 2011, had held the position since January, having previously served as finance minister between 2017 and 2022.
Harris’s move to Finance will see Helen McEntee replace him as Foreign Affairs Minister, while Hildegarde Naughton will take up the Education brief.
Donohoe’s departure will also trigger a by-election in the Dublin Central constituency.
- Reporting by Jane Moore, Andrew Walsh, Eimer McAuley, Diarmuid Pepper and Political Editor Christina Finn
The news that Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe is to step down to take up a senior position at the World Bank broke in the last hour.
Donohoe will be managing director and chief knowledge officer at the bank.
We’ll be bringing you all the latest reaction here as it happens.
Minister of State for Justice Colm Brophy appears to be the first Government TD to congratulate Donohoe on his new job.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh, the Fine Gael TD said: “I’m delighted for Paschal. He’s one of my longest friends in politics, since we were teenagers in the Fine Gael youth movement.
“It’s a wonderful recognition for him, of his ability, his standing and it will lead to some interesting times for us now on the national level.”
When asked about whether he would be putting himself forward to be Finance Minister, Brophy said: “I’m not going to say anything about anything on the day that’s in it apart from to congratulate Paschal.”
Donohoe has held many roles in government for over a decade.
After first being elected to the Dáil in 2011, he served as Minister of State for European Affairs at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs and Trade for a year in before moving into the role of Transport Minister in 2014.
Two years later, he was appointed Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform before also taking up the role of Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2020.
He was reappointed to this role in January following the General Election last November. He introduced his tenth Budget last month.
Donohoe is also president of the Eurogroup, an informal body of ministers from the euro area countries to discuss matters related to the euro currency.
He was first elected president of the Eurogroup in 2020 and was re-elected for a third term in July.
A by-election will take place in Dublin-Central, the constituency for which Donohoe has been an elected TD since 2011.
There will be expectation that Fine Gael will run Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam in the race to replace Donohoe.
However, McAdam will have stiff competition.
It’s one of the most high profile constituencies in the country, currently represented by TDs including Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin who topped the poll in last year’s general election.
Othe sitting TDs include Gary Gannon, the Social Democrats Spokesperson on Justice, and Labour’s Marie Sherlock, who is the party’s spokesperson on Health.
Sherlock narrowly pipped infamous gangland figure Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch to win her seat in last year’s election. Could he be tempted to run again?
Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick polled sixth for first preference votes last time, followed by outgoing Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan, who lost her seat.
Independent Councillor Malachy Steenson, who ran on an anti-immigration platform, came in next, closely followed in terms of first preference votes by three left-wing candidates.
These were Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin of People Before Profit, high-profile former TD and MEP Clare Daly, and Mary Lou McDonald’s running mate, Janice Boylan, a city councillor.
The World Bank was founded in 1944 and its aim is to end extreme poverty and to “and boost shared prosperity on a liveable planet”.
To achieve this, the World Bank works with other multilateral institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
It funds development projects via traditional loans, interest-free credit, and grants.
This year, the World Bank has provided close to $120 billion in financing.
Labour TD Marie Sherlock has offered Donohoe her congratulations.
Sherlock, as we’ve mentioned, narrowly beat out the infamous gangland figure Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch to win her seat in last year’s election in Dublin Central, the constituency that will now face a by-election after Donohoe’s resignation.
I want to warmly wish @Paschald all the very best in his new role
— Marie Sherlock TD (@marie_sherlock) November 18, 2025
This is a huge achievement for him and for Ireland
Long before I was ever a councillor, he reached out and encouraged me to try politics- it’s those conversations you don’t forget
Bring on the bye- election! https://t.co/mDqokZejcp
Sherlock said Donohoe’s move is a “huge achievement for him and for Ireland”.
“Long before I was ever a councillor, he reached out and encouraged me to try politics- it’s those conversations you don’t forget.”
Fine Gael’s Brussels branch has also wished Donohoe well in his new role.
Congratulations @Paschald on this appointment & thank you for your contribution to ireland & Europe in your nearly 20 years in politics. Your vision and leadership have made a massive contribution 🇮🇪🇪🇺 https://t.co/HzpqYxxUKU
— Fine Gael Brussels (@FineGaelBrux) November 18, 2025
Former Fine Gael TD Ciarán Cannon has extended his best wishes to Donohoe on his new role.
Cannon, who did not contest last year’s general election, said he and Donohoe were elected to the Seanad in 2007 and described him as “remarkable” and “a true friend and supportive colleague ever since”.
The remarkable @Paschald and I became members of Seanad Éireann in 2007, and he’s been a true friend and supportive colleague ever since. He remains one of the most talented and thoughtful people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. I wish him every success in his new role. pic.twitter.com/Wem3I4nkd9
— Ciaran Cannon (@ciarancannon) November 18, 2025
As we said, Donohoe leaving his role will trigger a by-election in Dublin Central.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh, Social Democrats and Dublin Central TD Gary Gannon said his party and his constituency branch would be”ready to run an election tomorrow”.
The Social Democrats have three councillors in Dublin Central: Daniel Ennis, Cat O’Driscoll and Karl Stanley.
“We’ve got three fairly high-profile potential candidates there. We’ve also got some really interesting members,” Gannon said.
“The selection process for the Social Democrats in Dublin Central in and of itself will be highly competitive, I promise you. That’s before we even get to the by-election.”
Asked about Donohoe’s departure for Washington, Gannon said: “I can’t say it knocked me completely off my feet. There has been talk about Pascal, perhaps, stepping away for some time, but inevitably, when that news comes, it’ll always be surprising.”
He wished Donohoe and his family the best, adding that politics is “a tough old game at the moment”.
Donohoe is expected to announce that he is stepping down later this afternoon.
Speculation is already rife about who will take up the Finance brief. It is generally expected that because the role is held by a Fine Gael TD, it will go to someone else in the same party.
There are reports that Tánaiste Minister Simon Harris could take up the role, which could leave a vacancy in Foreign Affairs and Defence and result in a mini Cabinet reshuffle.
The Journal is also hearing that backbenchers Neale Richmond, Emer Higgins or John Cummins could be considered for a promotion depending on which minister goes where.
Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne has deemed Donohoe’s departure from Cabinet “a clear vote of no confidence” in the government “from one of its most senior Ministers”.
A clear vote of no confidence in this Fine Gael Fianna Fail Government from one of its most senior Ministers.
— Rory Hearne (@RoryHearneGaffs) November 18, 2025
I challenged him in the Dáil recently on their failures in homelessness and housing..
Is Pascal jumping a sinking ship?https://t.co/UaDktvp5Kk
The news of Paschal Donohoe’s resignation is being covered internationally this morning.
BBC, AFP, Reuters, Politico and US news agency Bloomberg are among some of the global outlets running the story.
Donohoe would be a more well-known member of our government internationally due to his role as Eurogroup president and years spent as Finance Minister.
Minister of State Alan Dillon said Donohoe has done an “exceptional job” in his role as Minister for Finance.
“Paschal’s contribution to government and to Ireland’s economic success has been outstanding. I want to wish him every success in his new global role,” Dillon told RTÉ’s Today with David McCullagh earlier.
Asked about who could replace Donohoe in Cabinet, Dillon wouldn’t be drawn.
“It’s now a matter for the party leaders. Tánaiste Simon Harris has always emphasised stability and continuity in government and I know he will approach this transition with that same focus.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that Paschal Donohoe will tender his resignation today to take up the role of managing director and chief knowledge officer of the World Bank Group in Washington DC.
He said he will announce a number of changes to the Fine Gael ministerial team “later today”.
In a lengthy statement, Harris said the new position at the World Bank is one of “significant international standing, and is a testament to Paschal’s integrity, expertise, and the high esteem in which he is held both at home and abroad”.
“While I always knew this day would come, it is a day of mixed emotion. It is a moment of sadness for the Fine Gael family, but it is also a moment of great pride for Ireland. Paschal’s appointment reflects the regard in which he is viewed on the global stage,” he said.
Harris said that Donohoe has served with “unwavering dedication” over more than two decades in public life.
“He has played a central role in successive Governments, serving as Minister for European Affairs, Minister for Transport, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Finance,” he continued.
“Throughout his tenure, Paschal has exemplified the highest standards of public service. His calm and capable stewardship helped guide Ireland through some of the most challenging periods in our recent history — including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and a period of global economic uncertainty.
“His prudent management of the public finances has underpinned Ireland’s recovery and growth, ensuring that our economy remains resilient and our society continues to prosper.
“Across ten Budgets and three National Development Plans, he has demonstrated exceptional judgement and patience. The healthy state of the public finances are a testament to his careful stewardship of the economy.
Paschal has always placed the national interest above all else. He has been a voice of reason and stability.
Harris said Donohoe has left an “undeniable legacy” for Fine Gael and has been an “integral part” of the success of the party over the last decade.
“For the people in Dublin Central, his impact is evident all across the constituency. Whether that be the advancement of the Luas, or the bustling TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman or the establishment of the North East Inner City Taskforce, he has played a crucial role in transforming the heart of the capital city.
“For me, he has been someone who has been a source of wise counsel, and a valued friend. This will not change. I will miss his good humour on the good days, the optimism on the hard days, and his unrelenting support on the worst of days.
“On behalf of Fine Gael, and the Government, I want to thank Paschal Donohoe for his exemplary service. This country is all the better for his service. We wish him every success as he takes on this important new responsibility at the World Bank.
Irish business network Chambers Ireland has also congratulated Paschal on his new job.
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said that the organisation “has seen first-hand his talent and commitment to the economic and social development of the country.”
“We commend Paschal Donohoe not only for his stewardship during challenging periods, including Brexit and Covid, but also for overseeing a period of exceptional economic growth,” Talbot said.
His leadership has been instrumental in positioning Ireland as a resilient and forward-looking economy.
“His experience and vision will contribute greatly to his new role and we wish him every success,” Talbot added.
The World Bank has confirmed that Donohoe will step in as its new Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, praising his “more than twenty years of public service” and experience across government and the private sector.
In a statement, World Bank President Ajay Banga said Donohoe’s mix of policy and financial expertise would help the Bank “deliver more impact at scale.”
In the role, Donohoe will oversee the organisation’s global research and policy work and lead its strategic engagement with governments and civil society.
He begins on 24 November.
Political Editor Christina Finn is outside Leinster House now:
Press have been told that Donohoe will shortly give a statement, and will not take questions.
There was some confusion earlier about the nature of the role in the World Bank, but officials have confirmed that it’s effectively the number-two position at the Bank.
Donohoe is now finished up at Cabinet, and that’s it – he won’t be back in the Dáil again, at least not as a TD.
Paschal Donohoe has confirmed that he has told Tánaiste Simon Harris he will step down as Minister for Finance later today, and will resign his Dáil seat later this week.
He made the announcement outside Government Buildings in the past few minutes, joined by Minster for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers.
Paschal Donohoe opened his statement by thanking the people of Dublin Central, saying his two decades in public life had been “the greatest of honours”.
He reflected on his time overseeing ten Budgets and steering the country through Brexit, Covid and inflation, noting improvements in the public finances and employment during his tenure.
Donohoe said his Eurogroup role showed him the value of international cooperation, something he now plans to continue at the World Bank.
He confirmed he’s resigning as Minister for Finance today and will step down as a TD later this week, describing the Washington-based post as a new way to serve.
“This post is an opportunity to do so and to continue public service, in a different way,” Donohoe said.
Donohoe has just delivered a lengthy and personal statement outside Leinster House, thanking the people of Dublin Central, his Fine Gael colleagues and volunteers, and his staff as he prepares to leave politics for a top job at the World Bank.
He said the support of his constituency “humbled” him, noting that “some of those elections were really demanding, but the people stood by me”.
Donohoe praised Fine Gael members. “I made many valued friends,” Donohoe said, singling out Tánaiste Simon Harris for his “energy” and “vision”, adding that he believes Harris will lead the country again “with distinction”.
He also warmly acknowledged colleagues across government, including Michael McGrath, Jack Chambers and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, describing them as “exceptional partners in some tough moments”.
Donohoe thanked civil servants in Finance and Public Expenditure, his constituency and ministerial staff, and the gardaí who supported him in his daily work, saying today marks “a day of great personal change for them”.
He finished by saying it had been “a privilege to serve for over 20 years” and that he now hopes to bring the same dedication to his new role at the World Bank.
“As a member of Dáil Éireann and of the Government of Ireland, I did my best every single day,” Donohoe concluded.
“I want to now do the same in the work of the globally vital institution that I will join, at a time of great change in our world.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has congratulated Paschal Donohoe on his World Bank appointment and thanked him for “years of public service”.
Martin described Donohoe as an “honourable and committed colleague” and said they worked closely during the Covid pandemic, Brexit and the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I always worked very well with Paschal,” Martin said.
He stated that the government is in a “strong position” as it moves ahead with the National Development Plan, Budget 2026 and a new housing plan.
“I wish Paschal all the very best in his new role,” Martin added.
During his statement outside Leinster House, Paschal Donohoe accidentally referred to the Taoiseach as “Tánaiste Micheál Martin.”
The slip didn’t stop him from paying tribute, calling Martin an “honourable and deeply committed public servant.”
The text of his speech did in fact use the correct title for Martin.
Will Fine Gael’s Ray McAdam, the current Lord Mayor of Dublin, be running to replace his party colleague?
Speaking to The Journal just now, McAdam said “I’m not being coy, but I’m still taking in the news that Paschal is resigning.”
He had plenty of warm words to say about the Finance Minister, but when pressed, he said that he is considering putting himself forward for the by-election.
“I genuinely have to talk to my family, my friends and my supporters, it’s come as a surprise. I’ve served in the North Inner City since 2009 and worked with Paschal over the years,” he said.
McAdam added that he does not want to “belittle” the office of Lord Mayor of Dublin by rushing to wade into a by-election, so he’s giving it careful consideration.
But if he does run, hypothetically, what issues would be at the forefront of his campaign?
“The first and foremost thing in Dublin Central is the issue of housing, we have a number of projects underway, including the affordable housing projects at O’Devaney Gardens opening soon. We have to deliver for people in terms of affordable and accessible housing.
He also said that vacancy and dereliction, as well as making the city safer and more appealing through the presence of community gardaí and transforming the “sterile, grey” parts of our cityscape to increase footfall would be at the top of his agenda.
“Overall we need an active city, a living city, and an engaged city,” McAdam surmised.
So… in the event that he does decide to run, he’s got the tagline ready.
Speculation is swirling over who will replace Paschal Donohoe as Finance Minister, with Simon Harris the frontrunner and a mini-reshuffle expected across key Cabinet posts.
Leaders’ Questions had been due to take place at this time, but it has been cancelled today to allow for discussions around the mini reshuffle taking place in Fine Gael as a result of Donohoe’s resignation.
Donohoe is set to take up the senior managing director role at the World Bank from Axel van Trotsenburg, a Dutch-Austrian national who had held the position since 2019.
According to the World Bank’s 2023 annual report, he received a tax-free net salary of $475,230 (around €409,000) plus benefits of $156,529 (around €135,000).
TDs have just voted on the Order of Business for the day in the Dáil.
Opposition politicians objected to the change in the order to cancel Leaders’ Questions and allow for the nomination of new Fine Gael ministers following Donohoe’s announcement.
The government won the vote with 83 votes to 67.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told the Dáil that President Catherine Connolly has approved Paschal Donohoe’s resignation.
He said he intends to assign Simon Harris as Minister for Finance, Helen McEntee as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, and Hildegarde Naughton as Minister for Education.
Emer Higgins will become Minister of State for Education and Youth, a ‘super junior’ ministry with a seat at Cabinet, while Frank Feighan will be promoted to a Minister of State for Public Expenditure.
Paying tribute to Donohoe in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he always treated his colleagues with respect and understanding and was “always motivated by a belief in the values of our democratic republic and those we share with other democracies”.
“I wish Pascal, Justine and their children all the very best for their future, and I know he will represent Ireland with distinction in this important new role,” Martin said.
He said the Cabinet changes concern important roles, but said changes “have been made in the context of a very clear set of priorities which define the work of our term following the mandate which we secured in last year’s general election”.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said Donohoe has served with “unparalleled distinction” for over 18 years as an Oireachtas member and over 14 years as a member of the Dáil, presiding over 10 Budgets as either Minister for Finance or Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Harris said Donohoe’s “calm stewardship” helped guide Ireland through some of the most challenging periods in our recent history, including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and a period of major global economic uncertainty”.
“Those of us who work closely with Paschal on a personal level knows that he brings to the job a determined and undimmed optimism, unflappable good humour and exceptional collegiality and friendship.”
He added: “It’s impossible to find words for how much we will miss him as a friend and colleague.”
After that announcement, President Catherine Connolly is expected to present the seal of office to the reshuffled ministers during a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin at around 4.15pm this afternoon.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has also wished her “constituency colleague” Paschal Donohoe and his family well in the Dáil, saying: “I genuinely hope that the next chapter in their lives brings them good health and much happiness.”
However, she said the record he leaves behind would be defined by “a relentless commitment to clinging to power at all costs”.
She said the government was formed following “a grubby deal with Michael Lowry and his associates”, an arrangement she said that was “borne out of a desperation of office and not for dedication to the Irish people”.
She also said that Budget 2026, the tenth that Donohoe delivered, “left working people worse off”.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik congratulated Donohoe on his new job, but said his departure signals “a crisis of confidence” in the government.
She said a government that lacks stability “cannot offer hope” and “changing the names on the doors at Government Buildings” will not provide security to people who are worried about the cost of living.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said that while people will notice a change at the Cabinet table, they will be wondering if it will bring change in their own lives.
Cairns said Ireland is a wealthy country “with so much potential that has yet to be realised”, adding that the government must acknowledge that what they have been doing to resolve the crises in housing, health and disability services “are not working”.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy wished Donohoe well on a personal well, but said he did not wish his ideas and his politics well.
“It’s worth examining what Paschal Donohoe’s ideology has been and what it has meant,” he said, pointing to the centrism of the outgoing minister and Fine Gael.
Pointing to Budget 2026, Murphy said: “In one of the richest countries in the world with a record budget surplus, this government, Paschal Donohoe, decided to make disable people poorer… while giving huge tax breaks to big business.”
After also wishing Donohoe well personally, PBP TD Ruth Coppinger said the World Bank usually works with the International Monetary Fund, adding that their policies “drive inequality, austerity all around the globe”.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett also wished Donohoe the best, saying he had been “a civil and thoughtful adversary” in the Dáil.
“You never held back in letting us know what you thought about our perspective on politics and economics, and I’m not going to hold back in saying that I think the legacy that has been left behind by the years of Fine Gael government since I’ve been in this house and since you’ve been in this house, is not one to be proud of,” he said.
“You simply cannot escape responsibility for a disastrously, ongoing housing and homelessness crisis that has plunged so many people into the misery of emergency accommodation.”
Boyd Barrett said the World Bank is an institution “of global capitalism that frankly, has a pretty dire record” of lending money “to poor countries and then demanding austerity, privatisation and essentially, serving the interests of American and western big business, often at the expense of the poorest countries in the world”.
In case you missed it, here are those reshuffle changes again – courtesy of Fine Gael:
Congratulations to Tánaiste @SimonHarrisTD on being appointed Minister for Finance. pic.twitter.com/2IVrxvRm6g
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) November 18, 2025
Congratulations to @HMcEntee on being appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs,Trade and the Minister for Defence. pic.twitter.com/vdh5Y17bLd
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) November 18, 2025
Congratulations to @1Hildegarde on being appointed Minister for Education & Youth pic.twitter.com/yLMOud3l4s
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) November 18, 2025
Congratulations to @EmerHigginsTD on being appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Disability pic.twitter.com/0z37mIrW06
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) November 18, 2025
Congratulations to @FrankFeighan on being appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment pic.twitter.com/k1KoVhp3jl
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) November 18, 2025
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín told the Dáil that Paschal Donohoe has always been “a very personable, friendly, amiable character in here” and wished him luck in his new position.
Tóibín said there is probably nobody happier in Leinster House today than Simon Harris, adding: “When he heard the news, he probably had a sigh of relief that his erstwhile maybe challenger to the leadership of Fine Gael has now left and there is no obvious challenger at this moment in time”.
He said Donohoe has always communicated an air of fiscal responsibility and rectitude, “but the truth is radically different”.
Pointing to the National Children’s Hospital and the Oireachtas bike shed controversy, he said the government has become “synonymous with waste and rip-off politics” and has “incinerated taxpayer’s money on an industrial scale”.
Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith has said that Helen McEntee’s first act as Foreign Affairs Minister must be to enact the Occupied Territories Bill “without delay”.
Opposition politicians will use their private members’ time in the Dáil tomorrow to bring forward a motion calling on the Government to honour the general election pledge made by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and urgently enact the bill.
It comes after Independent Senator Frances Black, who proposed the bill back in 2018, said on Tuesday that she had lost patience with Simon Harris and the Government on the matter.
“With a newly appointed Minister, there is an opportunity now for this Government to respond to the calls of the people, to enact the Occupied Territories Bill and send a clear message to the international community: Ireland will not profit from or enable occupation,” Smith said in a statement.
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said it has been “an honour and a privilege” to work alongside Paschal Donohoe over the last 18 months.
“I wish Paschal and his family every success as he takes on an exciting new role at the World Bank,” he said.
He said Donohoe “has guided the country through difficult and uncertain times with confidence, resilience, and strategic direction”.
“His non-partisan approach fostered trust, unity of purpose and built genuine partnership within Government.”
Chambers added: “As he embarks on this new chapter with the World Bank, I have no doubt that his exceptional qualities will make a positive global impact. I look forward to continuing the strong, collaborative approach that has delivered real progress for Ireland with his successor.”
The Dáil has approved the appointment of Hildegarde Naughton to Cabinet with 88 votes to 69.
The appointment of Simon Harris and Helen McEntee to the respective Finance and Foreign Affairs departments did not require a vote as they are already members of Cabinet.
The Ministers in question – Harris, McEntee, Naughton, Emer Higgins and Frank Feighan – will now make their way to Áras an Uachtaráin to receive their seals of office from President Catherine Connolly.
Is a second electoral bid in the stars for Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch?
Hutch has been fairly quiet since he narrowly missed out in the race for the fourth seat in Dublin Central to Labour’s Marie Sherlock last year.
The infamous gangland figure made shockwaves when he flew in from Lanzarote and pulled up to the Dublin City Returning Officer’s office on a moped with his nomination papers tucked under his arm to officially enter the race.
Though Hutch won over 3,000 votes, he missed out in the end.
When asked if he’d go again by media at the RDS, he said he would, adding: “I’ve been running my whole life.”
So, should we expect to hear from him anytime soon?
Well, if Hutch running to become a TD after being found not guilty by the Special Criminal Court for the murder of David Byrne in the 2023 trial has proven anything, it’s that we live in a world of manifold possibilities.
However, he’s been pretty elusive since the election, and even raffled off his social media accounts so a small business could benefit from the following he’d built up over the course of the race.
Kevin Corcoran, the head coach who runs the Corinthians Boxing Club in Dublin’s north inner city – which Hutch has been involved in supporting for a long time – told The Journal that he has “no idea what Gerry’s plans are”.
“He’s living away at the moment, so I really wouldn’t know,” Corcoran said.
But would the 61-year-old have the same level of support if he did decide to go again?
“Ah yeah, I’d say he would,” Corcoran mulled.
My colleague Eimer McAuley has been taking a look at who might be in the running to take Paschal Donohoe’s seat in Dublin Central.
The battle in the inner-city four seater constituency is of the most one closely fought in the country.
Labour TD for Dublin Central Marie Sherlock has said Paschal Donohoe’s departure and the Cabinet reshuffle has sparked “very real concerns” about the stability of the Government.
Asked if there is a possibility of a united left candidate to contest the Dublin Central by-election, Sherlock said she will be speaking to Labour members in the next number of days.
“Certainly I’m very determined that the Labour Party will be contesting this election,” Sherlock said.
She said the party had a “strong and proud tradition” of by-elections, pointing to the fact that Labour leader Ivana Bacik won the last one that was held “very handsomely”. Bacik took the Dublin Bay South seat in 2021 following the resignation of Fine Gael’s Eoghan Murphy.
“I certainly am not ruling anything in or out with regards to this by-election. We will be there contesting it. We will put up, as we always do, a great campaign,” Sherlock added.
President Catherine Connolly has officially appointed Hildegarde Naughton as Minister for Education and Youth in a ceremony held in the State Reception Room at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Naughton received her seal of office from the President in the last few minutes.
And on that note, we’re going to close the liveblog.
We’ll have more on Paschal Donohoe’s resignation, the Cabinet reshuffle and the upcoming Dublin Central by-election on our site in the coming days and weeks.
Thank you for staying with our coverage today, and have a good evening.
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