Statement by An Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, Thursday February 18th 2010.
The Taoiseach wishes to announce that Mr Willie O’Dea TD has this evening tendered his resignation as Minister for Defence and the President has accepted it.
In tendering his resignation, Mr O’Dea said:
“I have come to the regrettable conclusion that my continuing in office will only serve to distract from the important and vital work of Government in addressing the serious challenges that the country continues to face at this time.”
In response to Mr. O’Dea’s resignation, the Taoiseach said:
“I want to thank you for your hard work and commitment in carrying out your duties as Minister. I believe that you have made a significant contribution to the Governments in which you have served and have shown great skill in overseeing the modernisation of the Defence Forces.”
The Taoiseach has assigned the Department of Defence to himself for the present.