Alan Kelly insists having John Delaney canvass for him was not an example of cronyism

Having FAI chief executive, John Delaney, canvass for him in his Tipperary constituency was not an example of cronyism, Environment Minister and Labour party member Alan Kelly has insisted, adding that it was “the funniest story I had had to deal with”.

But, his fellow TDs are divided on the issue, with Sports Minister Michael Ring the latest to become involved, saying he would prefer if politics at election time was left to politicians.

Mr Ring, Fine Gael, however said he had no issue with Mr Delaney’s actions as the FAI was a private organisation but if Mr Delaney worked for a semi-state body “he would have to resign”.