Failte Ireland chairman Michael Cawley resigns over holiday in Italy

Michael Cawley is head of the state’s domestic tourism agency
Michael Cawley is head of the state’s domestic tourism agency

Failte Ireland chairman Michael Cawley offered his resignation yesterday, after tourism minister Catherine Martin phoned him in Italy.

His resignation was accepted by the minister, who said she was “disappointed” to discover the head of the state’s domestic tourism agency was on holiday overseas, reportedly near Lake Garda.

“While Italy is on the green list, meaning that people who return from there do not have to restrict their movements, the government has called on people to avoid all non-essential travel,” said Martin. “Many of our citizens and residents have followed this guidance at some personal and financial cost to themselves.”

Thanking Cawley for his services to Failte Ireland, she added: “He recognises that solidarity with the industry is extremely important at this time, and I