The Green Party general secretary, Mr Stiofán Nutty, has said he is resigning for "personal reasons" and not because of a dispute with the party or individuals within it.
Mr Nutty, the party's first general secretary, announced his resignation at a meeting of the Green Party national council in Dublin on Saturday, saying that he wanted to spend more time with his family. "It is important to state that my decision to resign is purely personal and does not involve any disagreement with the party or with any individual."
Mr Nutty said he had always felt a "strong sense of support" from all public representatives and members of staff of the party, however he said the demands of the position were "considerable" and were likely to remain so.
"My wish to have more time to spend with my family is not compatible with what is required to operate optimally as the general secretary of a national political party."
The Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent thanked Mr Nutty for his service and said his resignation gave an opportunity to bring "fresh blood" to the organisation.
"On behalf of the parliamentary party I would like to thank Stiofán Nutty for the great energy and commitment he has shown in transforming the party from what was a predominately voluntary organisation to a professionally run political party."
"The party is now in the process of completing its next Strategic Development Plan. This will now be a good opportunity for fresh blood to come into the organisation."
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