By Elaine McFadden
elaine@letterkennypost.com
The newly appointed Tanaiste, Donegal’s very own Minister Mary Coughlan will make her debut visit in her new role to Letterkenny on Monday.
Minister Coughlan will open the new Donegal Centre for Independent Living offices at McCaul House on the Pearse Road at 11am on Monday, which is predicted to be the first of many benefits to Donegal of having a second-in-command TD, who is also the new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Various Senators and fellow TD’s from the county were quick to congratulate the mother of two on her new appointment yesterday, one which saw Brian Cowan opting outside the Dublin region.
Dr. James McDaid TD commented on Taoiseach Cowen’s decision.
“It was a remarkable decision by Brian Cowan,” Dr. McDaid said before going on to congratulate the Taoiseach himself.
“Mr. Cowen has been a personal friend for many years and I am delighted at his well deserved promotion to be Taoiseach of our country.”
Senator Celia Keaveney said last night, Wednesday wished her county colleague all the best.
“Minister Coughlan is a very deserving candidate for this significant promotion and I wish her every success in the new positions,” Senator Keaveney commented.
The significance of Minister Coughlan’s new department, Senator Keaveney also noted, will have particular meaning for Donegal.
“In particular I want to congratulate Minister Coughlan on securing a Ministry which will be so particularly well received in Donegal - that of Enterprise, Trade and Employment,” she concluded.
Now the most powerful female politician in the country, Minister Coughlan will begin a close working relationship with Brian Cowan, one which it is hoped, will see great benefits to Donegal.