A Clare Fine Gael TD has admitted that the controversies surrounding Alan Shatter could have damaged the party vote during the upcoming local and European elections.
Deputy Pat Breen's comments come following the surprise resignation of Alan Shatter as Justice Minister.
He has quit ahead of the publication of the Guerin Report into the handling of allegations of Garda misconduct made by whistle-blower Sergeant Maurice McCabe.
Deputy Breen admits the news was unexpected, but feels it is the best move for Fine Gael.
Meanwhile, the new Justice Minister will be announced in the Dáil at 10:45 this morning.
A number of current Ministers are favourites for the position, including Transport Minister Leo Varadkar, Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and the party's former Justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan.
