Moran quits role after just 18 months

The first secretary-general of the Department of Finance recruited from outside the ranks of the civil service has resigned after only 18 months in the position.

John Moran make the shock announcement to staff yesterday. “I returned to Ireland in 2010 wanting to assist in the task of restoring Ireland’s destroyed banking sector and economy to health. I had always viewed this as a mission with a fixed purpose, not a long-term venture,” he said in an emailed statement.

“I would never then have expected to be asked to play such a central role and have been very honoured to play my part as head of this department, working with you all, other public sector colleagues, the minister and the Government.

“With the tremendous results captured in our annual report published this morning and the successful completion of last week’s first post-programme troika mission, for which I thank you all, I believe it is now an opportune time to hand over the baton to a successor who can continue the job well under way.”

Mr Moran replaced Kevin Cardiff, who left the post to become Ireland’s representative on the European Court of Auditors.

His CV includes time spent working for Zurich Capital Markets in Dublin, Sydney, London and New York, where he rose to chief executive, resident solicitor for law firm McCann FitzGerald in New York, GE Capital Aviation Services/GPA Group and as an associate attorney with Sullivan & Cromwell in New York.

He also spent time operating a chain of juice bars in France over the latter half of the last decade.

“Since John first joined the Department of Finance on secondment from the Central Bank he played a leading role in recapitalising the banking sector and restoring the economy at a very difficult time.

“Since his appointment as secretary general he has been involved in every significant decision taken by me throughout the bail out programme, including those decisions which saw Ireland successfully exiting the programme. I valued his council during those very difficult times and I wish John every success in the future,” said Minister for Finance Michael Noonan in a statement.

There had been speculation Mr Moran would eventually replace John Corrigan at head of the NTMA. However, this has been dismissed by finance sources.

It is believed that Mr Moran is not leaving the department to take up another position immediately. He will remain in the job until a replacement is appointed.

* additional reporting by PA