Noonan: Shortall's resignation 'unhelpful' for Govt

The Finance Minister Micheal Noonan has said there was a personality clash between Roisin Shortall and the Health Minister James Reilly which could not be resolved.

Deputy Shortall resigned her junior ministry and the Labour party whip on Wednesday because of unresolved tensions with Dr Reilly.

He also said Ms Shortall's resignation has been "unhelpful" for the Government.

Mr Noonan said he finds no argument with Dr Reilly's view that there should be primary care centres built in his own constituency.

The Finance Minister said efforts were made to deal with the difficulties between the two warring ministers.

Mr Noonan said: "There seems to have been a personality clash in the Department of Health for some time now. I think it was Eamon Gilmore that recited the number of times people had met to try and resolve it.

"I wouldn't have been aware of all those meetings, but I was looking at his interview last night and I thought it was quite interesting."

Meanwhile, Ms Shortall's Labour colleague, Joan Burton has said she is confident the former junior minister for Health will return to Government.

However, the Social Protection Minister has said she believes Roisin Shortall will contribute to Government again in the future.

Ms Burton said: "Put it this way, there aren't too many women in Government that we can afford to lose somebody as talented and as hardworking as Roisin Shortall.

"She remains a very valued colleague, I hope to see her come back and I am confident that she will, she has a strong contribution to make."