A day of drama and farce

IVOR CALLELY’S spectacular fall from high office was one of the most shambolic in recent political history.

The 24 hours of drama - and at times farce - leading up to his last minute resignation by fax began Wednesday when a furious Taoiseach Bertie Ahern decided against calling an emergency Cabinet meeting to sack Mr Callely due to the impending Budget statement that afternoon.

Mr Ahern then spoke to Mr Callely at 7pm, but could still not persuade him to stand down.