"Not True" Says HE the Governor

Statement by HE the Governor Concerning Newspaper Reports about Changes in the Leadership of the

Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs

The following statement has been issued by HE the Governor Mr. Stuart Jack:

"The appointment of the Chief Secretary is a decision of the Governor. At no point have I been approached by, or had discussions with, Ministers with a view to forcing the early retirement of Mr George McCarthy. I have no such intention. The Leader of Government Business has also assured me that the newspaper reports and rumours about Ministers' intentions to this effect have no basis in truth.

I have total confidence in Mr McCarthy and look forward to continuing to work with him in his capacity as Chief Secretary and Head of the Civil Service."