Agriculture minister resigns after attending function with 80 plus people

The Minister for Agriculture and Mayo TD Dara Calleary has confirmed he is resigning from Cabinet after attending an event in Clifden, Co Galway, with 80 other people on Wednesday night.

Yesterday evening, the Minister apologised for attending an event with more than 80 people in breach of public health guidelines.

The Irish Examiner reported that the Ballina-based representative was among the guests at an Oireachtas Golf Society event in a hotel in Clifden, Co Galway, last night.

There were 81 people attending the dinner, with people split into two separate rooms. Other guests included EU Commissioner Phil Hogan and Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer, independent TD Noel Grealish, Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe and former RTÉ broadcaster Sean O'Rourke.

In a statement yesterday evening, the minister said: "In light of the updated public health guidance this week I should not have attended the event."

Guests, which included EU Commissioner Phil Hogan and Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer, were split into two separate rooms. Other guests at the event were independent TD Noel Grealish, Supreme Court Judge Seamus Woulfe, and former RTÉ broadcaster Sean O'Rourke.

Deputy Calleary's resignation means the country will have its third agriculture minister in two months.

Only last month was Deputy Barry Cowen sacked from the position. The Offaly TD had been at the centre of controversy over a drink-driving ban he received four years ago.