Right people for the job?

ONE of Simon Coveney’s first ministerial board appointments saw a key election organiser for his Cabinet colleague Phil Hogan installed as the chairman of the Irish Greyhound Board in Apr 2011.

Carlow businessman Phil Meaney was put in after political lobbying by a Fine Gael TD and, according to Mr Coveney, extensive consultation with the industry.

Regardless of his credentials in business, the decision flew in the face of a pre-election commitment to publicly vet such candidates. The minister said this was an exemption.