Cantwell steps down as Mitchell O’Connor advisor

Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor has lost another member of her staff after her special advisor and former TV host Alan Cantwell quit his €91,624-a-year job.

The resignation comes after recent criticism of Ms Mitchell O’Connor by Fine Gael colleagues over the lack of job creation in rural areas as well as her pre-budget plans being shot down.

Mr Cantwell last night said he was leaving his position, after just five months, for “personal reasons”. The minister said she was sad to see him leave.