Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
off sick
"Rumours of my resignation have been greatly exaggerated" --- Reilly channels Mark Twain
It had been rumoured Reilly was due to quit on the same day Alan Shatter handed in his resignation. He’s just been off sick, he said today.
HEALTH MINISTER JAMES Reilly has dismissed speculation that he may have been about to quit last week.
The Fine Gael TD paraphrased a quote from Mark Twain today, as he told reporters:
“Let me put it this way — rumours of my resignation have been greatly exaggerated.”
Reports this morning said it was rumoured Reilly was due to resign before Alan Shatter quit last Wednesday, but was talked in to staying on in the role until after this month’s elections.
Reilly went home sick on the day of the former Justice Minister’s shock resignation — fuelling that speculation.
Speaking today, the Minister said there was “no basis” for the rumours.
“I was resigned last week to go home and recover from a strep throat, and it took me four or five days to do so,” Reilly said.
“I want to apologise to people we had made arrangements with to open various facilities around Cork and Kerry and Waterford that it wasn’t possible for me to do so.”
have your say