Ireland

Richard Bruton named as replacement after Denis Naughten's shock resignation

Richard Bruton has been appointed as the Republic's minister for communications, climate action and environment
Richard Bruton has been appointed as the Republic's minister for communications, climate action and environment Richard Bruton has been appointed as the Republic's minister for communications, climate action and environment

RICHARD Bruton has been appointed as the Republic's minister for communications, climate action and environment after Denis Naughten's shock resignation.

Mr Bruton, who has served as minister for education and skills since May 2016, will be replaced by Donegal TD Joe McHugh.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed four new ministerial appointments to his cabinet, including Independent TD Sean Canney as minister of state for rural affairs and natural resources and Sean Kyne appointed government chief whip and minister with responsibility for the Gaeltacht.

The nominations are subject to Dáil approval.

The Irish government was on the brink of collapse following the shock resignation of the communications minister on Thursday.

Mr Naughten stood down amid controversy over multiple private dinners he had with the head of the last remaining bidder for a multimillion-euro state contract for the rollout of high-speed broadband.

Mr Varadkar came under intense scrutiny from the public and opposition parties, many of whom predicted an election was imminent, after Mr Naughten - an independent TD - upset the balance of support for the Fine Gael-led government.

However, Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin called on the Taoiseach not to collapse the Irish government until Brexit issues have been resolved.