‘A sad day for Barry Cowen' as Taoiseach sacks Minister after 18 days in office

Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen arriving for the Cabinet meeting at Dublin Castle.

A defiant Barry Cowen has said he was “surprised and disappointed” at the decision of Micheál Martin to sack him from office after just 18 days.

Mr Martin sensationally dismissed Mr Cowen after he failed to resign when requested to do so, much to the widespread shock and anger of Fianna Fáil TDs and councillors.