Paschal Donohoe is the new Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. He lives in and represents the Dublin Central constituency where Croke Park and Dalymount Park are iconic sporting venues.
That alone gives hope that he will give as much time and prominence to the sporting side of his brief as outgoing Minister Leo Varadkar.
There are many other positives to the appointment.
He is young at 36. He has two young children who will likely be on the merry go round of extra curricular sport.
A recent exchange on twitter concerning an egg and spoon race suggests he may have to work on his fitness to match the triathlon and adventure racing exploits of his predecessor, but the important thing is he is a Minister whose political star in the ascendancy.
Business Career
Another element to be positive about is his business career in a senior sales and marketing role with Procter and Gamble, one of the most proactive marketing led brands in the world and a major sponsor of both the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
P&G was the company that put Michael McKillop‘s mum Catherine (left) in line to present him with his medal at the London Paralympic Games of 2012 and Katie Taylor at the head of promotional campaigns around the Olympics that same summer.
A business culture, a sense of place surrounded by sport and political smarts to have come through strongly to high office at a young age are three reasons why we can look forward to another strong period of Government support and recognition for sport.
It should also not be lost that Leo Varadkar‘s move to Health comes with the bonus of his having been exposed to the strength of argument around sport as a preventative tool in the long term health of the nation.
Longer term
Again having a Minister in such a senior position that can both see and execute longer term strategic policy, beyond the life of an individual Government is important to bear in mind.
Varadkar has been a strong supporter of a Rugby World Cup Bid that will have two General Elections before the full benefit of success can be realised.
An advocate of sport and wellness in Health may be balance to the technical challenges of providing health care and a health service that swallows time and energy like no other.
The position of Junior Minister within the Department has yet to be confirmed. Incumbent Michael Ring would very much like to keep the role and was out today announcing almost €1 Million additional funding for boxing.
If he does keep the brief it will provide continuity, alongside Department officials Tom O’Mahony and Donagh Morgan, which would be another positive.
