Statement by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen regarding Minister Martin Cullen

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.

Tributes to Martin Cullen

An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD:

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.

Brendan Kenneally TD, Waterford Constituency Colleague:

“This is a blow to Martin and everyone’s thoughts are with him and his family in this difficult time. I wish him well as he makes the effort to recover from his ailment. As Minister, Martin Cullen had certainly helped to achieve a lot for Waterford over the years and we will all have to work even harder to make up for his absence.”

Paul Gallagher, President of the Irish Hotels Federation:

“On behalf of the IHF’s 900 members, we wish Minister Cullen a speedy recovery from his back complaint and we wish him the very best in his retirement. His willingness to engage on key issues facing our industry was of vital importance in keeping tourism to the fore of Government policy in recent times. In particular, his recognition of the return on investment achieved from tourism marketing funds ensured that investment in marketing was maintained in Budget 2010 – a time of significant restriction in Government spending.”

Minister Martin Cullen's Resignation Letter to An Taoiseach - 8th March 2010.