'Striking similarities' between golfgate controversy and Katherine Zappone function

The function was held six days before Ms Zappone's appointment with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar in attendance 

The fall out from the appontment of Katherine Zappone as a special envoy is not going away. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy has said there are "striking similarities" between last year's golfgate controversy and the private function hosted by Katherine Zappone for 50 people including Tánaiste Leo Varadkar two weeks ago

"There are striking similarities in terms of the rationale and excuses that are now being put forward," he said, adding that Mr Varadkar now needs to explain the context for him attending the event just six days before Ms Zappone was appointed to a special envoy role.