Health Minister says Dara Calleary will be an integral voice at cabinet level

New Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has slammed suggestions that Mayo TD Dara Calleary has been sidelined by Taoiseach Micheàl Martin.

An internal party controversy is raging over the Fianna Fáil party leader's failure to appoint the Ballina TD to a senior cabinet role rather than Chief Whip which has the status of a junior minister.

Speaking on RTÈ Radio One this afternoon, Minister Donnelly described Deputy Calleary as 'an incredibly competent representative who has a lot to offer'.

He said: "His voice will be front and centre in the new cabinet and balanced regional development is a core value of Fianna Fàil."

Minister Donnelly added it is untrue to suggest that the west of Ireland has been left without a senior minister.

"All senior ministers have a national role covering the entire country," he added.