Clarke promoted to Sinn Fein's front bench

Deputy Sorca Clarke has been appointed to Sinn Féin's front bench for the first time.

The Mullingar based TD has been appointed the party's Education spokesperson, one of ten changes made by party leader Mary Lou McDonald this week. For the past three and a half years Deputy Clarke served as Sinn Féin's defence spokesperson.

Deputy Clarke says that she has enjoyed her time as defence spokesperson and, in particular, meeting "wonderful people in the defence forces". She also said that she is excited to "get stuck into" her new brief, which is "much wider".

Speaking after the reshuffle was announced, Sinn Féin leader McDonald said:

“This is the team that will lead Sinn Féin into the next general election – a team full of talent, experience and ambition and bursting with the energy to deliver; a team that is ready to deliver change in government.

“As we enter the last quarter of this government, it is clear that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are out of ideas and out of ambition. The longer they remain in office the more damage they will do. That is why we need change and a general election as soon as possible.”