Taoiseach denies insisting on McNulty

Taoiseach Enda Kenny insisted he did not order the appointment of his Seanad nominee John McNulty to a high-profile arts post.

As controversy surrounding the move continued to escalate, with opposition parties and some of his own TDs condemning the decision, Mr Kenny moved to address the political storm.

He also insisted he did not know if Arts Minister Heather Humphreys was aware Mr McNulty was in line for the Fine Gael Seanad nomination when she elevated him to the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art.