Fianna Fail’s finance spokesman Michael McGrath has paid tribute to the Finance Minister Michael Noonan by saying he did exceptional work at turning Ireland’s economy around.
Mr McGrath who was speaking before the Dail also praised the departing Finance Minister for his public service and “stewardship of the Department of Finance and the economy in recent years”.
Mr McGrath also heaped great praise on the Mr Noonan by saying: “You are certainly leaving the economy in a much better state than you found it in.”
“Ireland’s successful exit from the troika programme will be one of your notable achievements.”
The rather poignant tribute comes after Mr Noonan announced on Thursday that he will be stepping down from his role once a successor to Enda Kenny is found.