Martin Cullen, ex-minister, ex-TD
Deaglán de Bréadún
Take a look at this press statement just issued by the Government Information Service. Martin Cullen has resigned, not just as Arts Minister, but as a TD. This presumably means a Waterford by-election. Interesting times indeed!
The Taoiseach was today advised by Martin Cullen T.D., the Minister for
Arts, Sport and Tourism of his intention to resign from membership of the
Government, and from public life, in the context of the serious back
condition from which he has been suffering for some time.It is the Taoiseach’s intention, at the request of Minister Cullen, to
advise the President to accept his resignation on a date on which other
matters relating to the Government, which the Taoiseach is currently
considering, will also be the subject of decision.The Taoiseach has expressed his deep appreciation for the great personal
efforts that Martin Cullen has made to carry out in full his duties as
Minister in the context of what has been a very painful condition. He
respects the Minister’s intention to retire also from his role as a public
representative in the light of his assessment that he would not be in a
position to discharge these duties in the future. The Taoiseach said that
this is entirely in keeping with the seriousness with which Minister Cullen
has approached his duties as a public representative, for which he won the
support of the people of Waterford City and County since he entered Dáil
Éireann in 1987.The Taoiseach paid tribute to the contribution which Martin Cullen has made
as a Minister in the Government, in charge of the Departments of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Transport; and Social and
Family Affairs, as well as Minister with responsibility for the Office of
Public Works and not least in his current post in the Department of Arts,
Sport and Tourism, where the commitment and flair which he has brought to
the discharge of his duties have been widely appreciated.The Taoiseach expressed his best wishes to the Minister as he faces the
challenges arising from his present medical condition.
