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09/03/2010
Cullen Resigns Over Health Concerns
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism handed in his resignation last night, after being plagued with chronic back pain in recent months.
Mr Cullen, who is the Fianna Fail TD for Waterford, announced yesterday evening he would resign as both a Minister and as a TD.
Mr Cullen's resignation from his ministry had been expected for some weeks, coming just ahead of the anticipated cabinet reshuffle, however, his departure from the Daíl has come as a shock to the Government who are left with a majority of only six after a number of resignations in previous weeks.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he would advise President Mary McAleese to accept the resignation and expressed his deep appreciation for the "great personal efforts that Martin Cullen has made" in the context of what his painful condition.
The Taoiseach paid tribute to Mr Cullen's contribution as Minister 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 along with his current post.
Mr Cowen described him as a Minister with "commitment and flair".
The Taoiseach expressed his best wishes to the Minister as he faces the challenges arising from his present medical condition.
Speaking last night, Mr Cullen said his condition had resulted from an “extremely bad car crash many years ago where I broke my neck.
“I was in hospital for a long time. I consider myself very lucky that I recovered from that and got so many years without the trouble I have faced today. I have chronic back problems and they are getting worse and worse,” he said.
“It would have put me in a position of not being around at all and not being able to be around and not discharge my duties as a TD either nationally or in Waterford.”
(DW/BMcC)
Mr Cullen, who is the Fianna Fail TD for Waterford, announced yesterday evening he would resign as both a Minister and as a TD.
Mr Cullen's resignation from his ministry had been expected for some weeks, coming just ahead of the anticipated cabinet reshuffle, however, his departure from the Daíl has come as a shock to the Government who are left with a majority of only six after a number of resignations in previous weeks.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he would advise President Mary McAleese to accept the resignation and expressed his deep appreciation for the "great personal efforts that Martin Cullen has made" in the context of what his painful condition.
The Taoiseach paid tribute to Mr Cullen's contribution as Minister 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 along with his current post.
Mr Cowen described him as a Minister with "commitment and flair".
The Taoiseach expressed his best wishes to the Minister as he faces the challenges arising from his present medical condition.
Speaking last night, Mr Cullen said his condition had resulted from an “extremely bad car crash many years ago where I broke my neck.
“I was in hospital for a long time. I consider myself very lucky that I recovered from that and got so many years without the trouble I have faced today. I have chronic back problems and they are getting worse and worse,” he said.
“It would have put me in a position of not being around at all and not being able to be around and not discharge my duties as a TD either nationally or in Waterford.”
(DW/BMcC)
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