There is no clear favourite to become the next Minister for Agriculture in the next Government, should the coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party receiving the required backing this Friday.

Paddy Power is not taking bets on the next Minister for Agriculture but if it was, here is how the field would pan out.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on agriculture Charlie McConalogue is leading the race, with Paddy Power putting him in at 5/1.

While not expected to head back into the portfolio or to be shuffled into another ministry, outgoing Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed is tipped at 6/1.

Current Minister for Business Heather Humphreys is in third place at the minute, with Paddy Power putting her at 10/1.

Next in the potential line-up is Mayo TD and deputy Fianna Fáil leader Dara Calleary at 12/1. In order to strike a regional balance, Calleary is sure to receive a ministerial position, whether it is agriculture or not remains to be seen.

Coming up the rear in the betting is Cavan Monaghan TD Niamh Smyth at 14/1, followed by current Minister of State for Tourism and Sport and Kerry TD Brendan Griffin at 16/1.

  • Charlie McConalogue - 5/1
  • Michael Creed - 6/1
  • Heather Humphreys - 10/1
  • Dara Calleary - 12/1
  • Niamh Smith - 14/1
  • Brendan Griffin -16/1

    • Other names that have been touted for the job are Fine Gael’s Helen McEntee, Simon Coveney (whether he would return to agriculture is another question) and Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen and Anne Rabbitte.

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