Chronic back pain and painkillers led to decision

SPORTS Minister Martin Cullen said a combination of a chronic back condition and debilitating painkillers made it impossible for him to continue as a minister, or even as a TD.

He announced his resignation from politics and said it will take effect when Taoiseach Brian Cowen reshuffles his Cabinet – expected to be in two weeks.

Mr Cullen, aged 55, said the lingering affects of breaking his neck in a car crash had got much worse and the advice from his medical consultants was that he should stop working.