Clare no longer has a senior government minister in office.
Defence Minister Tony Killeen has tendered his resignation to the Taoiseach along with three of his cabinet colleagues, Mary Harney, Dermot Ahern and Noel Dempsey.
There’s speculation that Brian Cowen could move as early as today to replace them.
In a statement just before eleven last night the Taoiseach confirmed that he had received the resignation letters from Ministers Tony Killeen, Dermot Ahern and Noel Dempsey.
The Corofin TD as well as the two others had already announced that they wouldn’t be contesting the next general election.
Just two hours earlier the Health Minister Mary Harney announced that she also wouldn’t be contesting the election and tendered her resignation at the same time.
She said she didn’t believe it was appropriate for someone not running in the election to remain in cabinet.
The Taoiseach will present the letters of resignation to the president with a recommendation that they be accepted.
Brian Cowen now has five vacancies to fill after Michéal martin stepped down on Tuesday and its believed he could hold a reshuffle as early as today
Some of the those tipped for promotion include Dara Calleary, Peter Power and Barry Andrews.
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