Phil Hogan resigns as EU Commissioner in wake of 'Golfgate' saga

EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has resigned from his role following the furore over his attendance at the Oireachtas Golf Society event in Clifden, Co. Galway, last week.

Mr Hogan had been under increasing pressure to stand down from his high-powered role since it was revealed he was among those who attended the golf dinner last Wednesday which was in breach of public health guidelines revised the previous day.

Announcing his resignation Mr. Hogan said he took the decision himself as the controversy was "becoming a distraction" from his work as  EU Trade Commissioner.

Speaking to RTÉ News he said he "deeply regrets" that his trip to Ireland has caused so much upset, anger and concern to people.

He said he broke no law or regulations when he travelled to Ireland, but could have adhered better to the guidelines.

"I felt that the fact that I made these mistakes, notwithstanding the fact that I didn't break the law was a sufficient distraction from the job that I was doing and for the work of the Commission," Mr. Hogan said.

He said he has "meditated on this very seriously in the last few days" and came to the conclusion that he should remove the distraction.

In a statement, he said it has been an honour to serve as European Commissioner.

"I believe the project of European Union is our shared continent's crowning achievement: a force for peace and prosperity the likes of which the world has never seen," he said.

"I also believe that Ireland's destiny is deeply European, and that our small, proud, open nation will continue to play an inspiring and proactive role at the heart of the EU."

Yesterday he provided details to EU Commisison President Ursula von der Leyen about his attendance at the Clifden dinner, and his movements across several counties while in Ireland.

In an interview with RTÉ News' Tony Connelly yesterday he said that he broke no regulations while in Ireland, was no risk to anybody but made big mistakes and is very embarrassed.

He said that as he had tested negative for Covid-19 shortly, it exempted him from the requirement to restrict movements for 14 days.

However the Department of Health issued a statement saying a person is required to restrict their movements for 14 days if they arrive into Ireland from a country not on the green list.

It said the guidance does not state that a negative Covid-19 test shortens the 14-days requirement.

Last night the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and the leader of the Green Party said it was clear that Mr. Hogan had breached the public health guidelines since he travelled to Ireland.

In a joint statement, Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan said Mr. Hogan's "delayed and hesitant release of information has undermined public confidence."

Mr. Martin, Mr. Varadkar and Mr. Ryan said the Government guidelines "clearly required him to restrict his movements for 14 days."

Mr. Martin and Mr. Varadkar had asked Mr. Hogan to "consider his position".

In a statement tonight, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Ryan acknowledged Mr. Hogan's resignation, saying it was the "correct course of action."

"While this must have been a difficult decision for him personally, we believe that it is the correct course of action given the circumstances of the past week.

"We all have a responsibility to support and adhere to public health guidelines and regulations," the statement said.

"We all must persevere in our efforts against Covid 19. Former Commissioner Hogan has served Europe and Ireland with distinction."