Joan Burton dismisses no-confidence motion as political stunt

Tánaiste Joan Burton and Communications Minister Alex White have dismissed the tabling of a motion of no confidence in her by Independent TD Shane Ross as a political stunt.

Mr Ross tabled the motion after Ms Burton used a loophole in legislation to bypass normal procedures to appoint David Begg as chairman of the Pensions Authority.

Mr Ross has called Mr Begg’s appointment as a blatant act of cronyism but this was rejected yesterday by Ms Burton and Mr White.