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.