Cowen Cut from Cabinet as Drink Driving Controversy Continues

The Minister for Agriculture, Barry Cowen, has been stepped down by An Taoiseach, Michéal Martin. Last week it was reported that the Minister had been banned for drink driving on a provisional license in 2016. He made a speech in the Dáil soon after the story emerged, however on Sunday (12th July, 2020) The Sunday Time provided more information on the controversy, including that he'd tried to avoid a Garda checkpoint on the day in question.

The Minister was banned from driving for three months when it was found he was over the limit, he was also fined €200.

In a statement on twitter Barry Cowen stated his disappointment with the decision to remove him from his ministerial position "The Taoiseach informed me this evening by phone that he was removing me from office as Minister for Agriculture. I am both surprised and disappointed with this decision."