Cullen’s catalogue of cronyism

THE true scale of the persistent endorsement of Monica Leech by Martin Cullen was revealed yesterday in a report into the awarding of €390,000 worth of PR contracts to the minister’s political associate.

Although Mr Cullen welcomed the report as clearing him of any wrongdoing, the events outlined in the comprehensive document were seized upon as clear evidence of unacceptable political “cronyism”.

That criticism intensified as the report’s author, former Revenue chief Dermot Quigley, concluded the proposal of a person for a public contract by a minister “may give rise to a perception of impropriety”.

The Quigley report, while clearing Mr Cullen of any breach of established guidelines, highlighted numerous potential failings in Government procurement procedures and made a dozen recommendations aimed at making the system more accountable.

The solemn manner in which Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday pledged to implement all of the report’s recommendations without question was seen as far from a ringing endorsement of Mr Cullen.

However, Mr Ahern said he was satisfied there was nothing in the report to suggest Mr Cullen acted inappropriately and his Cabinet position was secure.

“Martin Cullen continues on as minister. I just hope he can give his 100% attention to all of the issues on his agenda, because he has a lot of them,” he said.

Nonetheless, Mr Cullen’s political future still remains in doubt as the Oireachtas public ethics watchdog is still deciding on whether to initiate another full investigation into the affair.

Ahead of its meeting to decide the issue next week, the Standards In Public Office Commission is studying the Quigley report along with documents obtained from both departments.

Mr Cullen said Mr Quigley had found all involved acted with integrity and fairness.

Stating there was no evidence that Mr Cullen attempted to intervene in the appointment process, Mr Quigley said there was no evidence civil servants had raised concerns about the appointment and there was little material difference between the services contracted for, and those provided. However, Mr Quigley said the contract should have been more widely advertised and more firms invited to tender for it.

Amid calls for Mr Cullen’s resignation, opposition parties said the report showed a consistent pattern of cronyism.

The report also brought out fresh details about Mr Cullen’s persistent promotion of Mrs Leech for positions, including his rejection of the suggestion by officials that she be hired full-time. It also raised questions about her involvement in areas possibly outside her remit, including foreign trips.

Last night, Mrs Leech welcomed the report, which she said spoke for itself. “I and my family have been very badly treated by sections of the media and I don’t wish to comment any further,” she said.