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Government CEO Suzanne Wylie told the Chief Minister it was "never my intention to leave after such a short period" but that "circumstances are now such that I intend to take up a role back in Northern Ireland" in her resignation letter, it has emerged.
In the letter, which was handed to the Chief Minister after a Council of Ministers meeting on 14 March, Mrs Wylie said that she was leaving with "much regret and genuine sadness".
Later, she adds: "There is much political debate on the role of the CEO and my departure will also open the opportunity to assess if it should be changed and to what degree.
"I appreciate that the search will need to start now for my replacement, and I assure you that I will do all I can to support a new CEO coming into post."
A crumpled photocopy of the resignation letter was released this afternoon by Government - following requests made last week by Express and the JEP - alongside the Chief Minister's acceptance note, which was penned nine days later, and 24 hours after the public were told.
CLICK TO READ: Suzanne Wylie's resignation letter, dated 14 March.
"I understand that this has been a difficult and personal decision for you, and I will respect your decision as you return to Belfast," Deputy Moore said in her response.
That letter goes on to reveal that Mrs Wylie, who has a contractual notice period of six months, had asked to bring forward her departure date.
Responding to the request, Deputy Moore said: "May I suggest we agree that you continue in your role until 30 June and, with outstanding leave to be taken in July, with remaining days in July being available for any urgent or handover items as the interim Chief Executive settles in. This would make your last day of service 31 July."
It comes after Infrastructure Minister Deputy Tom Binet broke ranks over the weekend to accuse the government of having been "disingenuous" over the reasons for Mrs Wylie's departure.
Pictured: The Chief Minister only replied to the resignation letter nine days after it was received - and 24 hours after the public were made aware.
Mrs Wylie has never made public comment on the reasons for her departure.
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