Niamh Smyth in line for FF Arts spokesperson

Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin is expected to promote a number of women TDs to his front bench to counter one of his party’s weaknesses in the last Dáil, prompting speculation that Bailieborough's Deputy Niamh Smyth is in line for Arts spokesperson.

The Cavan-Monaghan Deputy's 20-1 victory in February's General Election put the former arts and dance teacher on the policital map, knocking out fancied Sinn Feiner Kathryn Reilly and sitting TD and Bailieborough neighbour Joe Reilly.

Political insiders believe the first woman elected for Cavan in the history of the State is in pole position for a front-bench role.

'Education and the Arts would be my preference - they're obviously two separate portfolios - but they'd be my preference, if given a chance, however, I'm one of 43 [FF TDs] to keep happy,' said the Fianna Fail Deputy.

'I have a huge concern about the portfolio of Arts, The Gaeltacht, Rural Affairs, Rural Development and Arts being all in one. Where does the Arts come within that? I'd be seriously afraid that it would be smothered within all the other portfolios.

 

'It's all speculation at the moment but I'd take any opportunity that the leader might give with both hands and push the protection of the Arts agenda rather than see it subsumed into the hodge-podge of the portfolio that now exists.'

The Bailieborough native added that there had been no internal indication as yet of when the Fianna Fail front bench will be formed but it is thought to be formally announced before Monday.