Fingleton to resign from Irish Nationwide within days

Michael Fingleton is expected to step down as chief executive of Irish Nationwide within days following a meeting yesterday between Finance Minister Brian Lenihan and members of the building society's board.

The board is due to report back to Mr Lenihan later this week, when changes to the management structure are expected to be announced.

Mr Fingleton has been at the centre of a storm of controversy since it emerged that he was given a €1m bonus shortly after the Government guaranteed all the main Irish banks.

He has also arranged a pension for himself worth more than €27m.

Mr Fingleton has agreed to return the €1m bonus, but it is unclear if he will still be able to avail of the massive pension.