Taoiseach Enda Kenny told the Dáil this evening that the Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, has resigned.
Mr Kenny said in Leinster House this afternoon that a replacement would be announced this evening or tomorrow morning.
Shatter’s resignation comes after intense speculation surrounding his position following the report by Séan Guerin into allegations made by Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe.
It was recently revealed that Shatter broke data protection laws on live television last year, during an broadcast involving Mick Wallace, who is said to be exploring the option of legal action against Shatter.
The Taoiseach added that the 300-page Guerin “comes to conclusion that there was inadequate investigation and analysis” into allegations made by Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.
In his letter of resignation, Shatter wrote: “I am anxious that any controversy that may arise on publication of the Report does not distract from the important work of Government or create any difficulties for the Fine Gael or Labour parties in the period leading into the European and Local Government elections.
“It is my judgment that he only way in which such controversy can be avoided is by my offering you my resignation from Cabinet.”
