Office of the Minister for Defence
Oifig an Aire Cosanta

Department of Defence

An Hoinn Cosanta

13"? February, 2010

An Taoiseach

Mr Brian Cowen TD.
Department of the Taoiseach
Government Buildings

Upr Merrion Street,

Dublin 2

A Thaoisigh,

It is with the deepest regret that in accordance with Article 28.9.2 of the Constitution,
1 wish to formally tender my resignation as Minister for Defence with effect from
today.

I have at all times acted in the interests of the Government and of the people I have
been honoured to represent. It is my belief that I have always acted honourany and in
good faith in the conduct of my duties as a Minister. While I resolutely refute all the
accusations made against me in recent days, I have come to the regrettable conclusion
that my continuing in of?ce will only serve to distract from the important and vital
work of Government in addressing the serious challenges that the country continues to
face at this time.

I was privileged to serve in Government over the past ?ve and a half years. I believe
my record as a Minister has been to the bene?t of the Defence Forces and the

Government.

Yours sincereb,

Amt-?g

WILLIE T.D.
Minister for Defence

Infirmary Road. Dubiin 
Bother na hOtharlajnne. Bails Atha Glith 7

Telephone: [01)8042000 Fax: {0138042805 email: 

Oifig an Taoisigh
Office of the Taoiseach

Willie O'Dea T.D.
Minister for Defence
Department of Defence
Infirmary Road
Dublin 8
18th February, 2010

Dear Willie,
It is with sincere regret that I received your letter of resignation as Minister for
Defence which I will now submit to the President in accordance with the Constitution.
On the basis of our conversation, I very much appreciate that your decision reflects
your own desire to ensure that the important work of Government is not diverted by
the current controversy.
I want to thank you for your hard work and commitment in carrying out your duties as
Minister. I believe that you have made a significant contribution to the Governments
in which you have served and have shown great skill in overseeing the modernisation
of the Defence Forces.
I look forward to continuing to work with you in Dail Eireann.
Yours sincerely,

Brian Cowen T.D.
Taoiseach

Oifig an Taoisigh, Tithe an Rialtais, Baile Atha Cliath 2.
Office of the Taoiseach, Government Buildings, Dublin 2.