The heat is on for Labour leader Joan Burton, after being accused of “blatant cronyism” over David Begg’s appointment to a cushy role in the Pensions Authority department.
Ms. Burton will now likely face a motion of No Confidence inside the Dáil today.
According to the Independent Alliance, the Tanaiste did not follow the Government’s own set guidelines when she appointed former union boss David Begg as chair of the Pensions Authority.
Ms. Burton claimed that she did follow correct procedures, but the Alliance cried foul and said that such position was never publicly advertised.
The Tánaiste said that she followed the correct procedures – but the Alliance says the position was not even advertised.
According to Waterford TD John Halligan:
“Why should it be in the reserve of the Government to make these appointments in the first place?”
“Surely there should be some board, some committee set up, who would have experience and knowledge, who are not under political influence, to make appointments like that, and everything’s above board.
“And that’s fine if David Begg came through that process, then there wouldn’t be a problem – but he didn’t.”