THE resignation of arts, sports and tourism minister Seamus Brennan gives extra room for the Fianna Fáil leader Brian Cowen to make wider-then-expected cabinet changes after his election as Taoiseach today.
Mr Brennan, whose resignation on health grounds was announced last night, held senior political office for much of the last three decades.
In a letter to Mr Cowen, Mr Brennan said doctors had advised him to reduce his workload to aid his recovery from an illness that he has been battling for over a year. “I have with great reluctance decided to accept their advice,” he said in a letter that was sent to Mr Cowen on Monday evening.
Speculation had risen in recent days that Mr Brennan’s position at the Cabinet was in question, though Government figures emphasised last night that he had not been asked to resign.
Mr Brennan made it clear that he does not see that his political career is at an end, particularly regarding a number of senior European positions that will be filled next year.
“I would like to assure you that I will be available for a future role at your discretion in either domestic, or European politics,” he wrote.
Saying that he was “particularly pleased” that he had been able to be part of the Fianna Fáil coalition negotiating team, he said the Government will continue “to benefit from the diversity of views” currently around the Cabinet table.
“More importantly, I believe that they will provide the stability that is essential to the full implementation of the Programme for Government.”
Mr Brennan said that he had been “inducted into politics by Jack Lynch, who remains, for me, one of the most inspirational Irish political figures of modern times.”
He wrote to Mr Cowen: “I believe that you are a worthy successor and that you will uphold the very best traditions of our party”. He did not mention Bertie Ahern in his letter.
Replying, Mr Cowen said he wanted to thank him “for the spirit in which you indicated to me your unavailability for consideration as a member of the Government”.
“I am glad to know that your talents and good counsel will continue to be available to me and the party in the months and years ahead. I hope and trust that you will overcome the immediate challenges ahead and that you will enjoy a full recovery,” he wrote.
Earlier in the letter, Mr Cowen said: “You have made a significant and constructive contribution during which we have seen our country progress beyond even the most optimistic expectations of the time. You have always believed in the ability of the Irish people to respond positively to the progressive politics enunciated during the time that you were a member of Government. I also want to thank you for your friendship and comradeship throughout our respective political careers. I have always respected your political acumen and insights on the issues of the day during that time,” he said.
