Senator Keaveney said: "This week Donegal lost the Junior Minister status that was held by Pat the Cope Gallagher. This is regrettable. Pat is well known for his drive, commitment and dedication to his job. In gaining new faces in the junior ranks there is the other side of losing the experience of people like the Cope. However I would like to think that Pat will remain upbeat and know that his work rate and record is well recognised in the county. His status is in no way diminished for us who work closely with him.”

She went on: "There was a mention this morning (Wednesday) in the Seanad about the lack of women in the junior ranks. I was pleasantly surprised when labour Senator Dominic Hannigan expressed the view that I would have been more than capable for the role of junior minister and he regretted that the Taoiseach had not taken the option to promote a female Senator to a junior ministry"

"It may be technically possible to be appointed from the Senate but it is not a practice that occurs. I suppose the reality remains that to gain a better gender balance at ministerial and junior ranks it is important that females are elected to the Dáil. I do hope that the people of Donegal will support me at the next opportunity to get re-elected and thus be in for a real chance to redress the gender numbers. Of course our Tanaiste, Mary, will continue to give female representatives a good reputation for work and capability. I wish her well in her new role."