Waterford's David Cullinane retains Sinn Féin Health spokesperson post

Waterford TD David Cullinane has officially retained his position as Sinn Fein spokesperson for health following a shakeup in the opposition party's front bench.

Sinn Féin changed a number of the party spokespersons following the announcement of the politicians that would form the government cabinet, with some of the party's best-known names remaining in their familiar roles.

“If any other party had Pearse Doherty in finance, Eoin Ó Broin in housing, and David Cullinane in health, they wouldn’t change them either,” Sinn Féin party leader and Dáil Deputy Mary Lou McDonald told the media following the announcement.

A number of new appointments were made to the front bench; Deputy Joanne Byrne representing Louth has been appointed spokesperson for Communications, Arts, Sports and Media; and Donna McGettigan from Clare, has been charged with the Further and Higher Education seat.

The poll-topping Waterford TD, who acted as his party's health spokesperson during the past Dáil, said he is "delighted" to retain the position.

"I am delighted to be re-appointed to the Sinn Féin Front Bench and in particular to the Health brief," said Deputy Cullinane.

"Last year I published a comprehensive plan that will transform healthcare. This Government have normalised failure in health and the Programme for Government lacks vision and ambition."

Deputy Cullinane promised to use the influential opposition position to advocate for the Déise. 

"I will also use my position to advocate for Waterford. Deputy Conor McGuinness and I will work hard to hold this Government to account and for delivery for Waterford."

Deputy Cullinane promised to continue to advocate on issues such as "24/7 cardiac care, investment in the SETU Waterford campus, upgrading the N24 and N25, funding to extend the runway at Waterford Airport and much more".

In the opposition position, Cullinane will be going head-to-head with the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who will be assisted by his Waterford colleague, the government chief whip, Minister of State Mary Butler, who has a responsibility for mental health in her role in the cabinet.