Tánaiste backs minister in controversial PR appointment

Tánaiste Joan Burton is standing over a Labour minister’s decision to appoint a special adviser who left Limerick’s City of Culture project amidst controversy.

Junior Health Minister Kathleen Lynch’s move to bring former Mary Harney adviser Patricia Ryan into her inner circle has raised eyebrows within Labour.

Ms Ryan left her leading post at the City of Culture organisation after it came to light that she did not undergo an interview for the position when the project’s board was chaired by her former PD boss Pat Cox.