Revealed: Text messages show Zappone offered UN role last March

Former Children's Minister Katherine Zappone told the Department of Foreign Affairs that Tánaiste Leo Varadkar was "really excited" about her appointment as UN Special Envoy five days before the Taoiseach was informed about the role.

Former Children's Minister Katherine Zappone thanked Simon Coveney back as early as March for offering her a role to represent Ireland, text messages released today show.

The appointment of Ms Zappone as a UN special envoy — a position that was never publicly advertised — has dogged the government for weeks. Ms Zappone ultimately turned down the position amid the public backlash.