Taoiseach drops Wallace from junior cabinet

Ratoath TD Mary Wallace has been told by Taoiseach Brian Cowen that he will not be reappointing her as a Minister of State. She said afterwards that the Taoiseach is right to reduce the amount of junior ministers. 'Following my conversation earlier today with An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, as of this afternoon I will no longer be Minister of State at the Department of Health Promotion and Food Safety,' she said. 'I believe the Taoiseach is right to reduce the number of Junior Ministers and shows leadership from central government in the present climate.' She said she I was delighted with the opportunities she has had as a Minister of State. 'I was five years in the Department of Justice, three years in the Department of Agriculture and a year in the Department of Health. I am particularly interested that the important work in the area of Health Promotion continues and I have discussed this also with the Taoiseach.' She said the announcement will now allow her more time to work with and be with the people of Meath East who have elected her. 'I love my job,' she said. 'The connections I have made over the last number of years across all Government Departments are invaluable to my work as an elected TD for the people of Meath. The only regret I have is that some of my staff will now lose their jobs and I know this is a very difficult time for them. They too have worked very hard with me serving the people of Meath East.'