Minister for Agriculture Dara Calleary has resigned from his role at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Minister resigned on Friday morning after it emerged on Thursday that he had attended an event in the west of Ireland earlier in the week where more than 80 people were present.

Minister Calleary attended an Oireachtas Golf Society event in Clifden, Co Galway, on Wednesday, the day after the Government issued new COVID-19 guidelines.

These guidelines stated that “no formal or informal events or parties should be organised” at restaurants, cafes, pubs that serve food and hotel restaurants.

Up to 10 people were seated per table at the event, the Irish Examiner revealed, despite the new guidelines stating that no more than six people should be seated per table.

There was widespread anger in reaction to the news of the Minister’s attendance at the event, with many highlighting that traditional funerals and weddings haven’t taken place since lockdown began.

A range of other politicians were in attendance at the event including European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, Independent TD Noel Grealish and a number of senators including Gerry Buttimer, John Cummins, Paul Daly and Aidan Davitt.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will now take on the agriculture portfolio until a new minister is appointed.

Apology

Minister Calleary apologised on Thursday night for attending the event.

“Last night I attended a function I committed to a number of weeks ago, having been asked to pay tribute to a person I respected and admired greatly.

“In light of the updated public health guidance this week I should not have attended the event.

“I wish to apologise unreservedly to the public, from whom we are asking quite a lot at this difficult time.

“I also offer this apology and my sincere regret to my Government colleagues,” he said.

Appointment

Dara Calleary held the role of Minister for Agriculture for 38 days, after he was appointed to the role on 15 July.

He was appointed to the role after Barry Cowen was sacked from the same role just 17 days after being appointed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin for a drink-driving offence in 2016.

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