EDDIE SHAW, WHO was behind the handing out of pro-life leaflets to young pupils at a Dublin school, has said tonight that he is to resign from his position as chairman of the school’s board.

Shaw apologised for distress caused by his action, which was distributing leaflets to children as young as five about a Vigil for Life rally in Dublin on 8 June.

Earlier today, a petition had gone online demanding that the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn, fire Shaw.

Tonight, a statement from Shaw was released to media. It says: “I have, after careful consultation and reflection, submitted my resignation as Chairman of the Board of the Harold School with immediate effect.”

I want to repeat my unreserved apology to teachers and parents for the deep distress and understandable upset caused by my action. The responsibility for this action was mine, and mine alone.

Shaw said that his own children attended the Harold School and he has been involved in the school “in a personal and voluntary capacity for the last 30 years and have always had the best interests of the school at heart”.

He concluded:

I wish the board, Principal, parents, teachers and all involved in the continuing education and development of the children in this great school every possible success and fulfilment.

The news that the leaflets had been handed to children had caused outrage among people who believed it was not appropriate. Shaw apologised to parents at a meeting last Thursday.

The Pro Life Campaign told TheJournal.ie that Shaw’s actions were “an unfortunate mistake”.

Read: Petition wants Minister to fire Eddie Shaw for giving pro-life leaflets to kids>