Larkin appointment sparks claims of cronyism

THE Government was accused of “political cronyism” last night following the confirmation that the Taoiseach’s former partner Celia Larkin will be appointed to the interim board of a new powerful State consumer agency.

Ms Larkin is the nominee of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's department to the new National Consumer Agency's interim board. Her appointment will be confirmed officially later this week by Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Mícheál Martin.

The revelation also sparked outrage among independent consumer groups who have been denied a place on the board.

Ms Larkin runs two beauty salons in Dublin.

She was Mr Ahern's partner for 16 years until their relationship broke up two years ago.

The Labour Party said her appointment was the worst example of political cronyism because Ms Larkin has no track record in promoting consumer rights.

"The protection of the consumer should not rely on the old pals network this is just another example of jobs for the boys or, in this case, jobs for the girls," said Labour's consumer affairs spokeswoman, Kathleen Lynch.

Fine Gael accused the Government of "old-style political cronyism" and said the "consumer deserves better than a politically-motivated appointment like this".

The Consumers Association of Ireland (CAI) said Ms Larkin's appointment confirmed the Government favours big business especially since they were denied representation on the board.

"Ms Larkin is just another appointee representing the business sector. This flies in the face of our repeated demand to have one professional independent consumer voice on this new board," CAI chief executive Dermott Jewell said.

Mr Martin revealed last month that the National Consumer Agency will replace the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and be given stronger powers. Yesterday, chairperson of the interim board Ann Fitzgerald sent an e-mail to all other board members informing them of Ms Larkin's appointment.

Mr Martin's spokeswoman rejected claims the appointment smacked of cronyism.

"Celia Larkin was picked for this board for her ability, experience and skill and it is standard practice for the Department of the Taoiseach to make nominations to all State boards," she said.

She also rejected claims there was no independent consumer representative on the interim board. "There are two women, Gillian Kelly and Marie Barry, who are consumers on the board and represent the ordinary person," Mr Martin's spokeswoman added.

Ms Larkin could not be reached for comment last night.