So the dust has settled on all the cabinet appointments. Ann Phelan will augment the existing team of Simon Coveney and Tom Hayes in Agriculture.

It’s just as well that there will be an extra pair of hands in Agriculture House with the Ministry of Defence added to Agriculture, Food, Forestry and the Marine.

While defence seems an odd fit with agriculture, it may have been a form of promotion without transfer for Simon Coveney.

His father Hugh previously held this ministry, so it must have been a proud moment. It also led to a lot of puns, including Minister for “The Fence” and Minister for Cannon Fodder.

Minister Phelan’s role will, it would seem, spread across three departments – agriculture, transport and, inevitably, environment. Although not directly assigned to environment, Ann Phelan is tasked with delivery of the CEDRA report, which was jointly commissioned by agriculture and environment.

The close working relationship between these two departments has been good for efficient governance of farming.

The most recent nitrates review and the balanced approach to tackling climate change, while recognising Ireland’s global responsibility as a food provider, were graphic examples of the co-operation built up when Phil Hogan was Environment Minister.

Big Phil’s working relationship with Simon Coveney may well continue if he becomes Agriculture Commissioner.

The close contacts Coveney built up across the EU when brokering CAP reform during the Irish presidency make him a key advocate for Hogan’s bid.

Crucially, Taoiseach Enda Kenny is also understood to support Hogan for agriculture.

Alan Kelly is the new Environment Minister, and the hope must be that he maintains much of the policy thrust displayed by his predecessor.

He has family links to farming and was first elected to the Seanad in 2007 from the agriculture panel on the first count.

When he became an MEP two years later, he was a substitute on the agriculture committee. He has worked closely with Arrabawn Co-op to bring a natural gas supply to Nenagh.

As regards Phil Hogan’s commissioner-ship, media reports at the weekend stated a number of Irish MEPs were openly opposed to his candidacy.

Marian Harkin quickly clarified her position, which is not one of opposition.

“I don’t do personality politics,” she said, “I am only concerned with the issues.”

She said only the relevant EU Parliamentary Committee will vote on each nominated commissioner.

IFA has come out strongly in favour of Hogan seeking the agriculture portfolio. President Eddie Downey warned against political posturing damaging the national interest.

Incidentally, Heather Humphreys, the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is IFA Ulster-Nth Leinster chairman Bert Stewart’s sister.