Updated at 7.45pm
FORMER TV3 NEWS presenter Alan Cantwell is parting company with Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor, it’s been confirmed this evening.
The former journalist has been working as press advisor to the minister.
“I would like to thank Alan for his loyal service, dedication and advice throughout his time as my special advisor in the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation,” a statement released on behalf of Mitchell O’Connor said tonight, confirming his resignation.
“His professionalism and work ethic was exemplary.
“Alan is a good colleague and friend and I am sad to see him leave.
I wish him well in his future career.
Criticism
Cantwell departed from his latest stint fronting the commercial broadcaster’s evening bulletin in May of this year.
He had returned to the station after a three year break the previous October.
First elected to the Dáil in 2011, Mitchell O’Connor was appointed to the high-profile jobs portfolio following Enda Kenny’s re-election as Taoiseach this year.
The Dun Laoighaire TD has had something of a torrid time in the media in recent months, with the negative coverage culminating in an article by Pat Leahy of the Irish Times last month. The article quoted a number of anonymous sources, who questioned the minister’s aptitude for her job.
“I don’t mind and I don’t care what people say about me. I don’t care about their perceptions. They can judge me when I’ve the job done,” the Minister told Independent.ie’s Floating Voter podcast last week.
And in a media briefing on the same day Taoiseach Enda Kenny defended his appointment, saying:
“I appointed her. That is my choice and responsibility as Taoiseach it falls to me to pick the members of Cabinet.
I chose Mary Mitchell O’Connor because of her experience, because of the fact she was involved in the activities of the parliamentary party before that and that is what is needed here. That is what she is working at and working well.
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