The Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell has today dismissed a newspaper report that his resignation is "imminent".
The report in today's Sunday Business Post said sources in Rome and the Archbishop's palace expected an announcement before his 77th birthday on March 26th.
In a statement the archbishop said: "I have absolutely no reason to believe that that report is true."
The claim comes just a week after Dr Connell issued an apology to 28-year-old Mr Mervyn Rundle who had been abused by a Dublin diocese priest nearly 18 years ago.
On Tuesday, the Irish High Court awarded Mr Rundle the biggest single settlement yet reached over a case of sex abuse by a Roman Catholic priest.
It is believed he received between euro300,000 - euro400,000.
In a statement issued as part of the agreed settlement to Mr Rundle, Dr Connell said he profoundly regretted the injury caused by Father Naughton and personally apologised to Mr Rundle and his family.
It was claimed in today's report that the strain of the past year has taken its toll on Dr Connell.
PA
