Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Just as there was an acknowledgement by Deputy Sargent regarding the particular correspondence to which he adverted, the resignation statement of Deputy O'Dea continues to defend his position on the basis, as clearly stated, that he holds the position that there was no intention on his part to mislead in any way. He acknowledges also that his continued presence in Government would have had the regrettable conclusion of destabilising the Government and, therefore, resigned.

On the position in regard to what happened yesterday, Deputy Kenny has a lot to answer for in terms of how his people behaved.

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