The Minister for Finance, Mr Charlie McCreevy TD, announced today that he has received a letter from Mr Hugh O’Flaherty stating that he wished to withdraw his candidature for nomination as Vice-President of the EIB. The Minister has, with regret, accepted this and is advising the EIB accordingly.

The Minister said he is disappointed at the decision but he understands why Mr O’Flaherty has taken this course.

The Minister wishes Mr O’Flaherty and his family well in the future.