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.