Fast-tracked City of Culture job decision defended

Limerick city’s manager has defended the fast-track appointment of Pat Cox’s former special advisor as the chief executive of Limerick City of Culture 2014.

The ex-European parliament president, Mr Cox, had already been appointed to chair the board of Limerick City of Culture and attended the meeting in which the chief executive’s selection was ratified.

The new chief executive, Patricia Ryan, had worked for Mr Cox in the European parliament and later was a special advisor to Mary Harney as health minister.