Enda Kenny says he has full confidence in Joan Burton amid calls of ‘cronyism’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has expressed full confidence in coalition partner Tanaiste Joan Burton, as the Labour leader faced Opposition claims of “cronyism” in appointing former trade union leader David Begg to a state board.

TDs last night debated a motion of no confidence in Ms Burton after she last week used a little-known clause in new public service appointment rules to give Mr Begg the €20,000-a year post as chairman of the pensions authority.

TDs called for an end to “political patronage” and questioned why Ms Burton, and other government ministers, had “by-passed” general appointment rules and given people positions with public bodies