Minister of State and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen TD whose resignation took effect at midnight, will know his fate after this morning's cabinet meeting.All eyes will be focussed on the Taoiseach's choice of a new junior ministerial team as all 20 resigned at midnight but only 15 will be reappointed. That decision will be rubber-stamped at Cabinet, and Mr Cowen may wait until the Dáil meets later to make the announcement.
Deputy Killeen has already indicated his confidence of getting reappointed to his former position as Junior Agriculture Minister. Forestry and Fisheries representatives have also publicly spoken of their desire to see the Kilnaboy, Corofin native reappointed to the post.
Meanwhile, Mountshannon Fianna Fail T.D. Timmy Dooley has expressed his desire to replace his Clare Oireachtas colleague should he fail to return to the Junior Ministerial ranks, claiming that the County must continue to be represented at Ministerial level. Many high level party officials believe, however, that Deputy Dooley's lack of politicial experience may rule him out of promotion on this occasion.
