O'Keeffe bows to pressure and resigns

Ned O'Keeffe has resigned as Junior Agriculture Minister over the furore surrounding his non-disclosure of family business interests to the Dail.

In a statement, Deputy O'Keeffe thanked Bertie Ahern for appointing him and said he was satisfied he had carried out his duties in a proper and professional manner at all times.

He added that he looked forward to the Public Office Commission hearing into the matter and wanted it to take place in public.

The Cork East deputy has been under pressure to quit since it emerged he had not told the Dail his family held a licence to manufacture meat and bone meal prior to a debate on banning the feed.

He subsequently voted against the motion in the debate.

58-year-old Mr O'Keeffe was first elected to the Dail in 1992 and was the Taoiseach's nominee to the Seanad from May to November of that year.

He has also served as Fianna Fail spokesman on industry and as deputy spokesman on enterprise and employment.

He and his wife Anne have five children.