Irish defence minister replaces Burke at talks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dublin's defence minister, David Andrews, was last night installed as the new Irish foreign minister and co-sponsor of the Northern Ireland peace talks. Mr Andrews, 62, regarded as a "safe pair of hands" returns to a post he previously held in 1992 when he helped formulate the formula for Northern Ireland diplomacy. He replaces Ray Burke who was forced to step down after admitting accepting pounds 30,000 from a developer seeking planning permissions. Mr Burke, a former chairman of Dublin County Council, could not to explain why the payment was made.
Following Mr Burke's departure from both the cabinet and the Dail, Opposition leaders are targeting the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. The Democratic Left leader, Proinssias de Rossa, said yesterday that Mr Ahern's conspicuous failure to tackle the long-simmering Burke payment row highlighted his "indecisiveness and ineptitude". A controversial passports-for-investment scheme under which Irish citizenship was provided for wealthy foreigners in return for investment in Irish firms is to be dropped. Breaches of procedures under the scheme by Mr Burke while justice minister helped to accelerate his resignation on Tuesday. Mr Ahern faces a battle to win the two Dail seats left vacant by Mr Burke's exit and the death of the Labour chairman Jim Kemmy.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments