Kenny advisor appointed to top post in Europe

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has nominated his chief economic advisor Andrew McDowell to become vice-president of the European Investment Bank, writes Daniel McConnell, Irish Examiner Political Editor .

The post brings with it an annual salary worth to be in the region of €270,000 a year.

Mr McDowell has been Mr Kenny’s chief economic adviser since entering Government, and was Fine Gael's economic advisor in Opposition since 2007.

His appointment follows a major row between Mr Kenny and Transport Minister Shane Ross over earlier attempts to install former Taoiseach John Bruton to the post without a proper selection process being undertaken.

Government sources have confirmed that a process to select Mr McDowell was gone through to ensure “i's were dotted and t's were crossed”.

Government sources confirm Enda Kenny has nominated his economic advisor Andrew McDowell to top €275k a year job #iestaff

— Daniel McConnell (@McConnellDaniel) July 5, 2016

Mr McDowell has been one of the most influential people in Government in recent years and has been a key driver of Fine Gael policy.

In 2015, he received €156,380 in salary for his role in Government, which was in excess of salary caps put in place by the administration in 2011.