Mary Harney resigns as health minister

The Health Minister has announced tonight that she WILL NOT contest the general election.
Mary Harney’s announcement had been widely expected.
But it’s emerged that she’s also tendered her resignation as Health Minister.
While it hasn’t been formally accepted by the Taoiseach, she says it’s a mere formality.
The move now clears the way for a wider cabinet reshuffle with the Foreign Affairs portfolio also to be filled.