Ex-marine minister denies claim of cronyism

FIANNA FÁIL’S Frank Fahey has strenuously denied opposition claims his Lost at Sea scheme to help fishermen buy new trawlers was “tailor-made” to suit a handful of constituents in Galway West.

The former marine minister dismissed as “totally and completely untrue” allegations by the opposition that the 2001 scheme was “cronyism at its worst” and favoured “friends and supporters” of Fianna Fáil.

The Dáil heard allegations yesterday that two of Mr Fahey’s constituents originally suggested the scheme to help fishermen replace missing vessels, and they ultimately got €2.1m of the total €2.8m fund.