Cowen Criticised For Taking Foreign Ministry

The Sinn Fein President has criticised the Taoiseach for taking on the role of Foreign Minister in the wake of Michael Martin's resignation.

Michael Martin tendered his immediate resignation on Tuesday after failing to oust Brian Cowen as leader during a vote of confidence. Mr Cowen announced yesterday he would subsume the role into his current duties ahead of the result of a cabinet reshuffle expected sometime in the coming days.

However, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has this morning criticised the Taoiseach’s decision saying it "smacked of an ad hoc approach".

"His decision will mean less focus by the government at a time when more focus is required. There is an urgent need for a ministerial appointment.

“There is an ongoing need for the government to deal with the British government on outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement in a robust and consistent way."

Mr Adams said his party had expressed concerns to the government about its approach on these matters that were now compounded by the Taoiseach’s decision.

"In my opinion these important matters cannot be properly addressed without direct Ministerial focus," Mr Adams added.

Meanwhile, this morning it has emerged that a total of four minister's have resigned from the Cabinet in order to facilitate the reshuffle.

Mary Harney, Dermot Ahern, Noel Dempsey and Tony Killeen gave their letters of resignation to the Taoiseach late last night in effort to curb attempts by the Green Party to block the expected reshuffle.

All four ministers have already announced they will not be standing in the next General Election, and their departure means a reshuffle by the Taoiseach is easier to execute than filling the vacant posts piecemeal.

Commenting on the departures, the Labour spokesperson on Health Jan O'Sullivan said: "The orchestrated resignation of four government ministers is an act of unparallel political cynicism on the part of the Taoiseach, but it is not likely to fool the public.

"In the time available between now and the general election, the new Ministers will barely have time to find their way to their Departments, never mind make any impact on policy or the administration of their Departments."

(DW)/GK