Rabbitte: Penrose 'feels very strongly' on barracks issue

The Communications and Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has said he would feel "very badly" if his colleague Willie Penrose decides to resign.

Speculation is mounting that the Housing Minister is about to step down over the closure of Columb Barracks in Mullingar.

The Cabinet was to make a decision on the matter today.

Mr Rabbitte said he left today's Cabinet meeting before any decision was made, but he says Mr Penrose feels very strongly about the matter.

Mr Rabbitte said: "I would feel very badly if he did leave, because he has been a very good colleague and he feels very strongly on the issues at stake here."