Row over Falvey appointment to Port of Cork board

A ROW erupted yesterday over the appointment of a retired politician to the Port of Cork board.

Former Fianna Fáil Lord Mayor Tim Falvey, who quit local politics in 2004, has, at the age of 71, been appointed a non-executive director of the Port company for a five-year term. The post comes with generous expenses and numerous trips abroad. He replaces Cobh-based Cllr Joe Dowling whose five-year term ended in December.

But FF party activists criticised his appointment yesterday and said younger party activists should have been appointed.

"This is sending out the wrong signals to the FF organisation in Cork," said a party member, who asked not to be named.

"A lot of party members are shocked at the appointment. Falvey got a nomination before the last local election to run but he decided afterwards to pull out and retire from politics.

"Younger party activists should have been considered for this post," he said.

Mr Falvey, who lives in Clogheen, was notified by post on Christmas Eve of his appointment by Minister for the Marine, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher.

He defended his appointment last night and dismissed concerns about his age.

"I've been business orientated all my life. It's better to have someone with experience on the board than to have someone with no experience," he said.

Mr Falvey was a council-nominated member of the board during his time on Cork city council. He also served on the board of the Harbour Commissioners, who preceded the Port company.

He handed the running of his successful construction business over to his sons almost 13 years ago.

The father of mountaineer Pat Falvey also owns numerous rental properties.

"I've packed up everything else. But you'd want something to occupy your mind," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge again. The board is the one place where in my experience politics doesn't come into it.

"There is a great management team there no arguments or fighting it was just go ahead and get the job done."

A spokesman for the Port of Cork said the company is delighted with Mr Falvey's appointment.

"He has experience of the board and has a huge knowledge of the workings of the Port of Cork. We're delighted to see him back."

Mr Falvey joins five other ministerial appointees.

They include chairman Dermot O'Mahoney, Noelle Canton, Cllr Alan Coleman, Finbarr Buckley and Dominic Daly.

Three other directors are appointed by Cork's local authorities two from the city council and one from the county council. Two employees are also elected to the board.

Mr Falvey is expected to attend his first board meeting on February 6.