"Today, I have made the decision to tender my resignation to the Taoiseach, stepping-down with immediate effect as Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation", Frances Fitzgerald said in a statement released this afternoon (28 November.)
She said to serve in the Government was the greatest honour of her life, but she believed it is necessary to take this decision to avoid an 'unwelcome and potentially destabilising' general election at this 'historically critical time'.
Fitzgerald is to reportedly remain on as a TD.
The outgoing Tánaiste said, "Throughout my career I have also sought to act with integrity and responsibility, and that is why I have decided on this occasion to put the national interest ahead of my own personal reputation.
"I have always believed in fairness and equality and these principles have guided my work as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, as Minister for Justice and Equality, and now as Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation."
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
