‘I’m greatly saddened by George Lee’s decision to resign from Fine Gael and politics just eight months into his new Dáil career.
‘In July I appointed George to chair the Parliamentary Party’s Economic and Business Affairs Committee which all members of the party could attend, and which was designed to act as a core group in developing Fine Gael economic policy for the next General Election.
‘During a period of great political uncertainty when a General Election seemed imminent George played a very important role in chairing our Business and Economic Forums around the country before Christmas.
‘These played an integral part in planning our pre-Budget submission. George, along with our other economic spokesmen, planned and presented that Fine Gael position to the media at Budget time.
‘I had anticipated a very important role for George in the coming period with Fine Gael after a time of settling into a new career in politics.
‘As part of our economic team George was due to attend the OECD later this week together with a senior Fine Gael delegation. Regrettably that, and other developments, will not now happen after George’s decision today.
‘While I regret his decision I would like, on a personal level, to wish George and his family well in the future.’