There is controversy this morning as the Tánaiste Joan Burton has come in for strong criticism after she appointed the former general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, as chairman of a State board – without going through the proper process for State appointments.
Ms Burton has been heavily criticised by opposition TD’s who claim she bent the rules in her favour and appointed David Begg as the new chairman of the Pensions Authority for a five-year term which will give him a salary of €20,000 a year.
However a Government spokesman has defended the Tánaiste’s decision, saying the appointment was legitimate and permitted under the new guidelines, as long as Ms Burton was satisfied of the appointee’s credentials.