Horse Racing Ireland board ‘arrogant’ in row over CEO
Members of the HRI board yesterday appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture to explain the circumstances that led to Mr Kavanagh, who has held the role since 2001, being reappointed for a third term despite government guidelines limiting semi-state CEOs to a single seven-year term.
Earlier this year, it emerged that HRI sought ministerial approval to re-appoint Mr Kavanagh, despite the fact that the role had not been advertised, and the board had not formally approved the request.
Joe Keeling, HRI chairman, told the committee he believed he had the board’s support to seek Agriculture Minister Michael Creed’s approval.
Mr Keeling apologised to the committee, and said the process “could have been done better”.
However, following questions from committee members, Mr Keeling went on to defend his actions.
“I thought the biggest issue with Brian’s reappointment was getting permission from the ministers. I was reflecting the informal board decision, I had absolutely no doubt. I’ve been on a board for 45 years, I know when people are with you or not with you. I felt the board supported that view.”
“[Fianna Fáil senator Paul] Daly asked would I have acted differently if I had to do it over; I don’t think so. I always acted in the best interests of Horse Racing Ireland,” he added.
Mr Keeling further said he was convinced Mr Kavanagh was the right man for the job and that it would have been a “waste of money” to seek applicants for the job.
Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny said that as HRI chairman, it was Mr Keeling’s job to focus on the legalities of the situation over the CEO’s position, and that stating he felt the board was with him on his decision was not good enough.
“I put it to you that that’s, and I’m not trying to be personal with this, but quite an arrogant way of explaining this position.”
Independents4Change TD, Clare Daly, described the handling of the matter as a “debacle” and said she did not believe the HRI board understood the significance of the issue. She questioned the ‘business case’ that the Mr Keeling sent Mr Creed to justify Mr Kavanagh’s reappointment.
“It’s quite clear now that the business case, which you’ve reiterated is kind of like ‘ah sure big Brian is the best man for the job, everybody knows it, what’s your problem, move on.’ That just isn’t good enough.”
