Former Revenue chief to probe Leech appointment

EMBATTLED Transport Minister Martin Cullen should know his political fate in three weeks after yesterday’s announcement that a retired Revenue chief will probe consulting contracts awarded to Monica Leech.

The Government revealed yesterday that former chairman of the Revenue Commissioners Dermot Quigley will inquire into the awarding of public relations contracts to Ms Leech at the Department of Environment, as well as the Office of Public Works, when Mr Cullen was the relevant minister.

Ms Leech has earned €800 plus VAT per day for her part-time role as media consultant to the Department of the Environment, totalling €310,000 since July 2002. The terms of reference will require Mr Quigley to establish the circumstances of the arrangements entered into with Ms Leech in departments where Mr Cullen was in charge.

Mr Quigley will also be asked to examine if the procedures accorded with the norm of public procurements. He is also being asked to look at the division of responsibilities between ministers and departmental heads. This may be a reference to unconfirmed reports that a top civil servant expressed doubts to Mr Cullen about one contract.

Mr Quigley will also examine if the work carried out by Ms Leech in the Department of the Environment differed in any way from those specified in tenders submitted by, or contracts awarded to, the PR consultant.

If Mr Quigley makes major findings or recommendations adverse to Mr Cullen it could cast doubt over his Cabinet future. A spokesman for Mr Cullen last night said he welcomed the inquiry.

The speed at which the inquiry has been set up by Bertie Ahern shows how seriously he is treating the controversy. He consulted with Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, who first called for an inquiry, when drawing up its terms of reference.

Last night Mr Rabbitte said Mr Quigley was “a very respected” former civil servant. Referring to Ms Leech’s contract, he said: “It was a very restrictive tender. The manner of her recruitment in the first place would appear to have put her in situ so that she had an advantageous position.”

Fine Gael’s environment spokesperson Fergus O’Dowd also welcomed the inquiry.