Cork 2005 director of communications Shane Malone has resigned less than half-way through the city's year as European Capital of Culture.
Mr Malone said last night there was no link between his resignation and recent criticism of a shortfall in funding for Cork 2005. He said he told Cork 2005 director John Kennedy of his intention to leave this summer as long ago as last Christmas.
Mr Malone said the announcement on Thursday of his resignation arose from his obligation to inform the board of Cork 2005 at its meeting last Wednesday, and coincided with restructuring plans within the organisation. He said that while it may be seen as bad timing, "there is no causal link between poor publicity and the bigger picture of my life".
Mr Malone is to join his father in a building and development company in Clare. He will be succeeded in June by the organisation's press and information manager Aoife Carlin.
Yesterday Ms Carlin said that Cork 2005 was very grateful to Mr Malone for what he has done.
Mr Kennedy said last night that Mr Malone had to decide on a business opportunity affecting his future since late last year or early this year.
"In this 2005 project none of us have job security beyond 2006 and it's understandably hard to say no when such an opportunity arises for a young man with family responsibilities." he said.