The Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan is welcoming AIB's vote to accept the re-capitalisation. Mr Lenihan says it will help the bank lend to small and medium sized enterprises and mortgage holders. He maintains this is essential for the health of the Irish economy as a whole. Minister Lenihan also says that he expects to be consulted on who will replace the Chairman, Chief Executive and chief finance officer at AIB, who will be resigning over the next few months.