Dr Tony Holohan has cited concerns over the potential impact on his friends and family as he ruled himself out of contention for president.

Tony Holohan could be making a bid to enter the race to become the next President

Breda Smyth has been offered the post of Professor of Public Health with the RCSI 'in partnership with the HSE'

Speaking to reporters in Belfast, he defended the different accounts given by those involved in the secondment.

The report said the proposal bypassed all accepted protocols for research funding.

The Minister for Health said the secondment, which did not go ahead, would have been positive.

Dr Holohan will take up the role of Chair on the firm's Medical Advisory Board. 

Dr Holohan will become an Adjunct Full Professor of Public Health