Bruton steadfast in Cardiff support

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton has reiterated the Government's support for Kevin Cardiff to be appointed to the European Court of Auditors.

Minister Bruton's comments come after the head of the committee of MEP which rejected Mr Cardiff's nomination stated that he wants to examine emails which sparked controversy at an Oireachtas committee yesterday.

Ireland's outgoing member of the Court Eoin O'Shea, admitted yesterday that he sent emails to two German MEPs in the group which interviewed Mr Cardiff, lobbying against his proposed successor.

Questions have now been raised as to whether there could be a conflict of interest if Mr. Cardiff secures the job - as he was in charge at the Department of Finance at the time of the banking collapse in Ireland.

But Minister Bruton today said he doesn't think this will be a problem.

"If ever a conflict of interest arises in any group, whether it be the Irish Government, or the Court of Auditors, what happens is that the person who has the conflict of interest steps out, and is not involved in that process.

"So if that ever did arise, that process, which is standard, would occur."