Dublin Port Company boss to quit
Businessman Joe Burke is to step down as chairman of the Dublin Port Company, it emerged today.
A close friend of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Burke, 59, was a member of the so-called 'Drunmcondra Mafia'.
Mr Burke, who leaves his post immediately, today met Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to inform him of his resignation.
In a statement the board thanked Mr Burke for his work during the past seven years.
"Since his appointment in 2002, Dublin Port Company continued to grow successfully and profitably.
"It is well placed to continue its role and responsibility as a key national asset of the Irish economy," the authority said.
The Government-appointed position of Mr Burke was questioned by Fine Gael in November after a High Court ruling restricted his role as a company director.
Mr Burke, whose second term as chairman was due to run until 2012, is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court.
The High Court restriction order, under section 150 of the Companies Act, restricts a person from involvement in the management of a company for five years unless that company meets certain capital funding conditions.
The order was sought in November by the liquidator of Mr Burke's building company, JH Burke Sons Ltd, which went into liquidation in 2006.
Mr Justice Kevin Feeney put a stay on the restriction order in the event of an appeal.
However the judge noted in court that Mr Burke had acted honestly in the conduct of the company's affairs.
