Minister resigns over call to judge

Resignation will be blow to coalition government

The Republic of Ireland's junior Environment Minister Bobby Molloy has announced his resignation over approaches to a judge in a rape case.

On Tuesday morning Mr Molloy, a member of the Progressive Democrats, also said he would not be a candidate in the Irish general election in May.

Mr Molloy had disputed a High Court judge's statement on Tuesday that he had asked officials to speak to the judge about the case of a man awaiting sentence for raping his daughter over a 10-year period.

Bobby Molloy resigned over phone call to judge

But Mr Molloy later apologised for asking a member of his staff to contact Mr Justice Phillip O'Sullivan's secretary to ask if a letter from the convicted man's sister had been received by the judge's chambers.

He said that by mistake the secretary had put the official through to the judge himself, who immediately ended the call.

Passing sentence on the rapist, Mr Justice O'Sullivan said he was very surprised a government minister would contact a judge and said the call, made to his home, was "totally improper".

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern expressed support for Mr Molloy

Mr Molloy, whose party is the junior partner in the government coalition with Fianna Fail, had received support from Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and the Deputy Prime Minister Mary Harney on Tuesday.

His decision to resign on Wednesday is being seen as a recognition of the political reality that his continuation in office would be deeply damaging to the government in an election campaign.

Decision welcomed

Politcians from the main opposition parties welcomed Mr Molloy's resignation.

Michael Noonan, leader of the main opposition party Fine Gael, said: "It was quite clear as soon as the story broke yesterday afternoon that he would have to resign.

It is appalling that the Taoiseach went to the defence of Mr Molloy

Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan

"I think on reflection overnight he knew that his position was untenable."

Mr Noonan was also critical of Mr Ahern and Ms Harney for their initial defence of Mr Molloy.

"It is appalling that the Taoiseach went to the defence of Mr Molloy. I do not know the kind of moral compass the Taoiseach has when he is dealing with these events but he always goes into defensive mode," he said.

Brendan Howlin, justice spokesman for the second largest opposition party, Labour, added: "The reaction of the Taoiseach and Tanaiste last night was quite extraordinary.

"The fact that they pledged support and outlined that this was not a resigning matter was extraordinary."

Mr Molloy had been planning to run again for his Galway West seat in the general election.

There is speculation his resignation could benefit Fianna Fail who may now pick up the third seat in the constituency.