Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has ended speculation surrounding his position by tendering his resignation this afternoon.

According to RTÉ, Enda Kenny told the Dáil that Shatter resigned as a result of the findings of a report into allegations made by Sergeant Maurice McCabe and the fallout from the recent whistleblower scandal.

Shatter’s position was becoming increasingly pressurised in recent days after Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore had rallied behind the embattled minister earlier this week in light of the finding that he broke data protection laws on live television in an incident involving Mick Wallace, who came out demanding his resignation as a result.

Wallace also told The Irish Times that he was considering legal action as a result, and though Shatter's resignation has come, it remains to be seen whether Wallace will press ahead or not.

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