Four high-profile resignations in the last couple of weeks, odds of a 2010 election being cut to 7/4 and James Downey on the radio this morning saying a trip to the polls before the Summer is likely - is it time to order in the family-sized packs of Complan?
If not for the politicians (who are looking hagard at best), then for the correspondents and the politicial junkie bloggers and Twitterers?
Barely a day is going by without a national shitfit in the Houses of Oireachtas. Just before the explosive media feeding frenzy, the political news junkies were setting themselves up to track the passage of the Finance Bill 2010 through committee. Yesterday was supposed to be celebratory for the Greens, with a fresh-faced senator in the upper house – instead they lost a former leader and Junior Minister.
Minutes ago, Green Party TD Trevor Sargent gave a personal statement to the Dáil tendering is resignation as Minister for Food and Horticulture.
Watch back his statement to the Dáil chamber.
Update
Sargent’s statement reads as follows:
A Ceann Chomhairle, I thank you for the opportunity to explain to the House the circumstances of the clinic enquiry I received in June 2008 relating to an assault in September 2007 which were partially reported in the media this afternoon.
A victim of an assault came to me to voice his frustration at the slow progress being made with a case where he alleged he had been head-butted when he told me he had reported vandalism to parents of a child he had seen trying to remove a road sign in their housing estate.
My intention was to ensure the Gardaí were aware I had received a representation from a victim in an alleged assault and that the full preparation of the case would benefit from witnesses not yet interviewed being interviewed before proceeding further. The victim was afraid for his safety, meanwhile.
I accept however that although my actions in contacting An Garda Siochána were not a criminal offence, under Section 6 of the Prosecutions of Offences Act 1974 such a communication could be deemed not lawful. In this regard, I accept I made an error of judgement. Accordingly I hereby tender my resignation forthwith as Minister of State for Food and Horticulture.
Leader of the Green Party, John Gormley has commented on Sargent’s resignation:
“I am greatly saddened by Trevor Sargent’s decision to resign as Minister of State.
“There is nobody in Leinster House – or in Irish politics generally – whom I admire more than Trevor. He has brought a unique mix of ability and talent, decency and honesty to Irish public life.
“Trevor’s departure is all the more difficult because he is more than just a colleague, he is a trusted friend and confidant.
“I note that in tendering his resignation he has acted promptly and without any self interest. That is totally in keeping with his approach to politics and the contribution he has made across the past four decades.
“Trevor will continue to serve the people of Dublin North as their TD with the same total dedication he has shown since June 1992. He will be missed from the Green Party team in government but he will continue to work closely with his parliamentary party colleagues.”
News broke around lunchtime claiming that Trevor Sargent sent a letter to the Gardai on the subject of a prosecution.
The Evening Herald are running a story this evening that Sargent used ministerial headed paper to ask that charges against a constituent to be dropped. The constituent was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour.
The Green Party have been silent so far, but Sargent will address the Dáil today at 5:15pm. Rumours are rife that Sargent will resign. Will he?
Four high-profile resignations in the last couple of weeks, odds of a 2010 election being cut to 7/4 and James Downey on the radio this morning saying a trip to the polls before the Summer is likely - is it time to order in the family-sized packs of Complan?
