Labour queries Burke appointment to State body

LABOUR last night called into question the circumstances surrounding the reappointment of Joe Burke to head a State body.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey was asked to clarify whether proper procedures had been adhered to regarding the Government’s decision to retain Mr Burke as chairman of Dublin Port.

Labour Party transport spokeswoman Roisín Shortall said it was wrong for Mr Burke to stay in the post given his financial links to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Mr Burke was one of the businessmen who gave Mr Ahern a €50,000 “dig out” while he was minister for finance.

Mr Burke came to public attention during the ‘Bertiegate’ affair last autumn when the Taoiseach was forced to reveal the former Fianna Fáil councillor was among 12 “close friends” who loaned him the equivalent of €50,000 to pay for costs arising from his marriage break-up.

Mr Ahern did not repay the amount until after the loan became public.

Mr Burke, who made chairman of Dublin Port Company in 2002, became friends with the Taoiseach when they became neighbours three decades ago.

“The appointment of Mr Burke was totally inappropriate in the current circumstances, but there are a number of unusual factors surrounding this appointment,” said Ms Shortall.

She queried whether the appointment was made by Mr Dempsey or his predecessor, Martin Cullen.

“While the Government may be correct in maintaining that a formal government decision was not required to sanction the appointment, we need to know if the procedures governing such appointments as set out in the Cabinet Handbook were complied with,” she said.

Ms Shortall said the handbook says the minister should mention the matter to Government at least two weeks in advance to allow colleagues to make recommendations.

She said it also states that all Government and ministerial appointments should be published is Iris Oifigiúil as soon as possible after the appointment. “We know this has not been complied with, but we are entitled to know why not?” she asked.