Minister defends FAI boss John Delaney canvassing soccer clubs for Labour candidate

Minister Simon Coveney has defended FAI boss John Delaney's decision to canvas for Environment Minister Alan Kelly.

The FAI boss has been visiting local soccer clubs in Tipperary encouraging people to vote for the Labour representative in the upcoming General Election.

Speaking to Tipperary Midwest Radio, Delaney said: "It's very important to keep a Minister in your own county, you know.

"Look, as election comes and things get nearer to people making decisions, I think it's always important for people to have a Minister, irrespective of what parties are representing your county, because ultimately people deliver."

Minister Coveney said that while it is unusual for the CEO of a big organisation to be out canvassing, it's John Delaney's personal choice.

"That's a decision for John Delaney," he said.

"I think that it's a little unusual for a CEO of a big organisation is out actively canvassing, but look, we live in a democracy, and John Delaney is entitled to canvas, like anyone else."