Taoiseach’s Senate appointments under further attack

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern’s “jobs for the boys” Senate nominations continued to draw fire last night.

The 11 appointments to the upper house in the Taoiseach’s gift have been widely criticised from a variety of quarters.

The elevation of former TD John Ellis to a €70,000-a-year Seanad post has caused anger among farmers owed money by a meat company which was partly owned by him.

Labour deputy leader Liz McManus also accused Mr Ahern of using what is likely to be his final Seanad appointments as Taoiseach to “look after his friends.”

She singled out the nominations of journalist Eoghan Harris and former junior minister Ivor Callely for particular scorn.

Mr Harris staunchly defended Mr Ahern during the Mahon Tribunal controversies.

Mr Callely was forced to leave his post as junior transport minister under a cloud in December 2005 and was rejected by North Dublin voters in the May General Election.

“Ahern has a track record of being less than vigorous with members of his party,” Ms McManus said.

Stanlow Trading, set up by Mr Ellis and his brothers Caillian and Richard, was wound up in 1993 with debts of £300,000 to 80 farmers in the north-west.

One of those owed money, Joseph Walshe of Knockmore, Ballina, was appalled at Mr Ellis’ appointment.

“I feel thoroughly disgusted with the arrogance of Bertie Ahern and Fianna Fáil,” he said.

Meanwhile, FF’s Maria Corrigan insisted her appointment was unconnected with her personal relationship with Mr Ahern’s friend Joe Burke. She said she believed she had been chosen due to her knowledge of disability matters.

New Green senator Dan Boyle said he did not know he had been formally appointed until his name was released to the media as the Taoiseach’s office was unable to contact him on holiday in Russia.