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.