Ahern apologises for McDaid mix-up

The Taoiseach has apologised to the Dáil for any confusion over the resignation of Minister of State, Dr Jim McDaid.

Mr Ahern said that Mr Conor Lenihan's appointment as Minister of State became effective from Tuesday, rather than last week, "following the completion of formalities of Deputy McDaid's resignation under the statute".

He added: "If it created any confusion, I caused it and I apologise to the House for it."

The Taoiseach told the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, that when he spoke to Dr McDaid on Wednesday, the day he introduced his new Cabinet, he did not think he needed a letter of resignation from him as a Minister of State, even though he had asked the three outgoing Cabinet members for their letters of resignation.

"When I realised late on Wednesday night that I did, I made an effort to contact Deputy McDaid very early on Thursday morning. Subsequently, I contacted him after 9 o'clock and he informed me he would give me a letter of resignation." Mr Ahern apologised for any confusion this caused.

Mr Rabbitte reminded the Taoiseach that his predecessor, Mr Charles Haughey, had called for the resignation of then taoiseach, Mr Garrett FitzGerald, in 1986 on the grounds that he had misadvised the House over the appointment of a Minister of State.