Katherine Zappone: Enda Kenny vote ‘not bought’ by ministerial role

Independent TD Katherine Zappone has insisted that she was not “formally” offered anything to back Enda Kenny in last Thursday’s Dáil taoiseach nomination vote, despite widespread speculation she may be in line for a potential ministerial role.

Ms Zappone’s denial comes as a weekend report claimed it would cost €13bn to put in place the demands of 15 Independents in negotiations with Fine Gael if they were to enter power.

During last week’s third taoiseach nomination vote, the newly elected TD for Dublin South West chose to vote for Fine Gael leader Mr Kenny, effectively forcing Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to admit defeat.