Andrews `not to step down soon'

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, yesterday strongly rejected suggestions that he was hoping to retire soon from …

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, yesterday strongly rejected suggestions that he was hoping to retire soon from ministerial office, Patrick Smyth writes from Brussels.

Talking to journalists Mr Andrews said the future of his role as Minister for Foreign Affairs was "entirely for the Taoiseach" but that "as a strong supporter of the Taoiseach I will continue to serve. I will not be retiring until the next election comes."

Mr Andrews said he had never discussed stepping down with the Taoiseach.