Minister Barry Cowen removed from office

Minister for Agriculture, Barry Cowen, has been removed from his post.

He has been at the centre of controversy over a drink-driving ban he received four years ago.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that the President, on his advice, had terminated the appointment of Mr. Cowen as a member of the cabinet.

He said he has assigned the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to himself.

The Taoiseach described the decision as a "sad day" for Barry Cowen.

Mr. Cowen said he is “disappointed” with the Taoiseach’s decision.

His statement outlined: "The Taoiseach informed me this evening by phone that he was removing me from office as Minister for Agriculture.

"I am both surprised and disappointed with this decision.

“Previously, I furnished the Taoiseach with all the facts about my drink driving conviction and the story that the Sunday Times proposed to publish about my alleged evasion of a Garda check point. In doing so I provided him with confidential details.

“Unfortunately, the decision of the Taoiseach to remove me from office, when he supported me this afternoon in the Dail, has undermined and potentially prejudiced my entitlement to fair process.”