Portfolio Swap On The Cards For Midlands Junior Ministers In Reshuffle

Most of the changes are expected to come from the Fine Gael camp.

Two midlands Junior Ministers could swap portfolios in today's reshuffle.

There's speculation Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke could be moved to the Finance Department, while Laois Offaly Deputy Sean Fleming is likely to shift to the Department of Housing.

Junior Enterprise Minister and Meath West TD Damien English is likely to remain in his position, as is Kildare South Deputy Martin Heydon in the Department of Agriculture.

Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Paul Hosford, says we're unlikely to see any names dropped, with the exception of two:

The Green Party Ministers are staying put while there will be minimal change in Fianna Fáil - with the exception of Thomas Byrne.

The European Affairs portfolio will revert to Fine Gael, though Byrne is much more likely to be reassigned than simply dropped. 

It's expected first time TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will be promoted to European Affairs Minister.

While Neale Richmond is tipped to be chair of the European Affairs Oireachtas Committee, replacing Joe McHugh. 

Drugs Minister Frankie Feighan looks likely to be dropped, with question marks around Minister Colm Brophy as well. 

Some roles will also be reallocated - with speculation responsibility for the Gaeltacht will end up with Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton.

The coveted sports brief is also likely to change hands.

While there will be more changes than at senior level, continuity is the byword of the reshuffle. 

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