Former TD and senator Donie Cassidy has resigned as vice president of Fianna Fáil following criticism of a dinner event last Wednesday, organised by the Oireachtas Golf Society, of which he is president.
In a statement, he said: "In light of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden, and due to the fact that the matter is subject to a garda investigation, I tendered my resignation as Leas Úachtaráin of Fianna Fáil to Sean Dorgan General Secretary yesterday."
Mr Cassidy had apologised yesterday "unreservedly" for the hurt caused by the dinner in a Galway hotel.
He said he would fully cooperate with the garda investigation into the event.
In a statement to the Westmeath Independent newspaper, Mr Cassidy said the dinner was held "under the department guidelines confirmed to us on Wednesday morning by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF)".
He said: "I would like to apologise unreservedly on behalf of the Oireachtas Golf Society Committee for the hurt caused.
"It was not our intention to disregard Government or health authorities' advice."
He added: "I have been legally advised not to make any further comment at this time. I confirm that I will fully cooperate with the garda investigation."
