Westminster: Cardinal's aide stands down

Austen Ivereigh, director of Public Affairs of the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor issued the following statement last night: "As a result of persistent and untrue reports about my private life, I have decided to resign my post as Director for Public Affairs of the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor. The decision, which has been my own, was taken in order to avoid further distractions from the Cardinal's crucial role as Archbishop of Westminster. I shall miss both the Cardinal and the job. I am privileged to have been close to the centre of important events in which the voice of the Church has made itself known. The Cardinal knows how grateful I am to him for his compassionate and wise guidance in testing times, especially in these last difficult months. I want to thank colleagues in Archbishop's House, Westminster Cathedral, Vaughan House, and Eccleston Square for their affection and support. I want also to thank many members of the media for our enjoyable and challenging collaboration. Throughout my time at Archbishop's House, and especially in recent weeks, I have been humbled by the witness to the Gospel given to me by so many Catholics. I will continue to serve the Church in any way I can." Dr Austen Ivereigh joined the Public Affairs Office in October 2004 as press secretary alongside the Cardinal's principal adviser, Sir Stephen Wall. After Sir Stephen's departure in May last year, Dr Ivereigh took on the role as Director for Public Affairs, with responsibility for both policy and press. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor said in a statement: "Austen Ivereigh, my Director for Public Affairs, offered his resignation some time ago. I have now formally accepted it. I want to put on record my sincere thanks to Austen for all he has done on my behalf and for the Church in the past year and a half. I wish him well in the future." Source: Archbishops House