Chariman of Flood Tribunal resigns

The Taoiseach has confirmed that Mr Justice Fergus Flood has resigned fully from the Flood Tribunal.

Justice Flood has now cut all ties with the inquiry, which examined allegations of bribery into planning decisions in North Co. Dublin.

In the last days, Mr Justice Flood requested that the Government let him stand down as the chairman in advance of deciding the onerous issue of costs.

Bertie Ahern told the Dáil that his departure before deciding who was to pay the €60m in costs could pave the way for a raft of legal challenges.

Mr Justice Alan Mahon will replace him.