Pressure is mounting on the Justice Minister to step down following the resignation of the Garda Commissioner.
Martin Callinan announced his decision at 9.30 this morning.
It's the first time in more than 30 years that the country's most senior policeman has resigned.
Martin Callinan has now left the post without withdrawing the remarks that the wistleblowers were "digusting" and that remains on the Dáil record through the public accounts committee.
In a statement Mr Callinan says he felt that recent developments were proving to be a distraction from the work carried out by An Garda Síochána.
Already attention has turned to Justice Minister Alan Shatter who has consistently backed Mr Callinan throughout the various controversies.
Norin O Sullivan now becomes Acting Garda Commissioner – the first time in the history of the State that a woman is leading the force.
And speaking to Clare FM Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says he hopes today's decision leads to reforms in the force.
