Japan's finance minister to resign over slurred speech

Japan's Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said he would resign, after denying being drunk at a Group of Seven meeting in Rome where he appeared incoherent and slurred his speech.

Nakagawa had faced calls from the opposition to be sacked over his behaviour at a press conference after the G7 meeting on the global economic crisis, despite blaming cold medicine for his drowsy appearance. He said he would step down after key budget bills are passed some time in the coming weeks.

"I want to apologise once again as I caused tremendous bother to people because of the press conference after the G7 in Rome," he told reporters.

"I visited hospital last night and this morning and was diagnosed to have a bad lower back, cold and fatigue. I'll do my best to fulfill my duties for my remaining days. I hope the Japanese economy will recover as early as possible."

The opposition had threatened a censure motion against Nakagawa, while even some fellow cabinet members openly criticised the minister.

"Looking after one's own health condition is part of the responsibility of a politician," Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe said. Transport Minister Kazuyoshi Kaneko said: "I feel bad for him, but he shouldn't have spoken" at the press conference.