PDs not consulted over 'crony' appointment

Progressive Democrat president Michael McDowell says his party was not consulted over the appointment of Joe Burke as chairman of Dublin Port.

Fianna Fail is rejecting allegations of cronyism, over the appointment of Mr Burke, who’s a close friend of the Taoiseach’s.

Mr Burke, a businessman who was linked to the Sheedy affair and Tom Gilmartin, was handed the post a day after the dissolution of the Dail last month.

Attorney General Michael McDowell says his party leader, Tanaiste Mary Harney, would have expected to be consulted before the appointment of a senior position to a semi-State company.

"I want to emphasise that on this occasion that arrangement was not complied with," Mr McDowell said.

"Some people might think that single party government has already started. As far as we’re concerned, an arrangement was not complied with, and we regret that."

Former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes says it’s a clear case of cronyism.

"It’s quite clear he is a buddy of the current Taoiseach, who was brought in to manage issues for the Taoiseach," he said.

"That seems to be his only qualification. I’m suggesting that is not a suitable qualification for the chair of a major port in this country."

However, finance minister Charlie McCreevy asked what is wrong with the appointment of Mr Burke to the position.

Mr McCreevy said: "The same thing is right about the appointment of Mr Derry Hussey, who’s a trustee of Fine Gael, whom we re-appointed as chairman of the VHI, and Minister Frank Fahey appointed freshly Mr Pat Ridge, who’s a trustee of Fine Gael to the chairman of Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

"The minister of the day makes the decision as to who would be the appropriate person to be chairperson."