Dara Calleary paid a 'very heavy price' for Golfgate attendance – Taoiseach

Micheál Martin said there is “always a route back to Cabinet” for someone of Mr Calleary's calibre

Dara Calleary resigned from his post of Agriculture Minister on the morning of August 21, 12 hours after the Irish Examiner first reported on the Oireachtas golf society event in Clifden. Picture : Eamon Ward

Dara Calleary paid a “very heavy price” for his attendance at the 2020 Golfgate event in Galway, and there is “always a route back to Cabinet” for someone of his calibre, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin, speaking after all charges against four defendants were dismissed in court on Thursday, said Mr Calleary’s decision to resign so quickly helped maintain the national solidarity in the fight against Covid-19.