Anger at lack of regional representation in Cabinet

A number of TDs were critical in Dàil Eireann last night over the lack of balanced regional representation in the new government cabinet.

ABOVE: Map showing the location of the Cabinet ministers with the entire west, north west, south west and south east not represented.

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice (pictured) held up a map to Taoiseach Micheàl Martin showing the east and west divide in green and red colours.

There are no senior ministers for a vast area from north Donegal to south Limerick.

There are two super juniors from Connaught, Dara Calleary and Hildegarde Naughten.

Deputy Marian Harkin said the Taoiseach needed to be called to account over the matter.

Independent Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath said the government had also abandoned the southeast and he said it was all about Dublin and nothing about the country.

He said the fact that the rural affairs ministerial portfolio was being mixed up with social protection was a "crazy scenario."

Deputy Peadar Tóibín of Aontú hit out that there is no senior Minister from Connacht or the west coast north of Kerry.