Lenihan to stay on as Minister for Finance

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan will announce his intention to stay on in office for the time being when he makes his first public statement since it was reported that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

In a written statement, likely to be issued today, Mr Lenihan is expected to give full details of his diagnosis and will also map out the work needed over the coming year to return the country to economic stability.

He will announce his intention to continue to oversee this work while cutting back on public appearances and reassigning some duties to the junior ministers in the Department of Finance.

The extent of the challenges facing the department will be revealed tomorrow with the publication of the official tax figures for last year which will show revenue has plummeted to its lowest since 2003.

The Government took in €32.5 billion in taxes in 2009 – a drop of 20% on the previous year and down 30% from 2007.

However tomorrow’s Exchequer figures are expected to show that the tax take has been on target in recent months, giving some hope for more stability in 2010.

Mr Lenihan has not spoken publicly since it was reported on TV3 News on St Stephen’s Day that he has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He was quoted in a Sunday newspaper yesterday as saying he is looking forward to a “full and vigorous year ahead” and anticipates a “full recovery”.

As the number of complaints to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) about the report grew to more than 70, a Fianna Fáil backbencher said the party is “appalled” at the media intrusion.

Wexford TD, Sean Connick, said Mr Lenihan has had a “hectic” year and has done a “fantastic job” as finance minister.

“He has grown in esteem within the party and obviously we are all very proud of what he has achieved and we all wish him well and our thoughts and prayers are continuously with him and whatever support he will need from each and every one of us,” Mr Connick told RTÉ Radio.

“We were all just appalled at the way the story broke on St Stephen’s Day and the way it was handled in particular.

“He should have been given the decency and the respect to deal with this issue which was a very complex issue for himself to deal with on a personal basis, he should have been given the space by the media,” he said.