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Blendine O’ Halloran to resign as First Minister
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JW
11:55
Killarney Plaza confirms that the First Minister will deliver a statement at 5pm today. No reason has been provided.
11:58
The Leader of the Opposition has said that “this statement is significant and could go two ways, her resignation or a general election”.
*** Tuesday, July 18 ***
JW
12:00
Breaking: The House Speaker is holding an emergency meeting with the First Minister.
12:04
The House Speaker has left Killarney Plaza following a meeting with the First Minister, and confirmed she will attend a Board of Management meeting within the next hour.
12:06
The First Minister has held a virtual cabinet meeting with her senior ministers.
12:09
Press and crowds are starting to gather outside Killarney Plaza, waiting for the First Minister’s speech.
12:57
Breaking: Radio Kerry is reporting that Blendine O’ Halloran is expected to resign today.
12:59
Blendine O’ Halloran has held a meeting with the Queen in the last hour.
1:10
Breaking: Blendine O’ Halloran will resign today.
1:13
Breaking: Blendine O’ Halloran enters outside Killarney Plaza, with crowds cheering and applauding the First Minister, as she delivers her resignation speech.
1:15
Blendine O’ Halloran: “I am extremely proud of my party’s efforts and commitment over the last number of years.”
1:18
Blendine O’ Halloran: “Fianna Fail will elect a leader who will have the ability and wisdom to lead the party and the county.”
1:19
Blendine O’ Halloran: “It’s been a bumpy but incredible journey for me and my staff.”
1:21
Blendine O’ Halloran: “We’ve had two incredible monarchs, a global pandemic, a major cost of living crisis, and the expansion of the Kingdom Union.”
1:23
Blendine O’ Halloran: “I made this decision for my family, not for the county.”
1:26
Blendine O’ Halloran: “Many believed I would be First Minister for 10 years, maybe more than that.”
1:28
Blendine O’ Halloran: “To the people of Kerry, thank you for voting us in, and giving us a strong mandate to govern.”
1:30
Blendine O’ Halloran: “This is not a goodbye. It’s a goodbye… for now.”
4:54
First Minister concludes resignation speech, with large cheering and applause as she goes back into Killarney Plaza.
5:05
Breaking: Finance Minister Brendan Murphy says he is "saddened to hear the news of the First Minister's resignation", but did not confirm if he will run to become leader.
5:06
Breaking: House Speaker to hold press conference at 6pm.
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