Claims of intimidation as Cardiff secures job

THE secretary general of the Department of Finance, Kevin Cardiff was cleared to become a member of the EU Court of Auditors by the European Parliament amid claims of political abuse and intimidation by some MEPs.

When approved by the member states, which is expected to be a formality, Mr Cardiff will take up the six-year Luxembourg appointment in March at a minimum salary of €264,000 a year.

With the backing of the three largest political groups, the parliament voted four- to-one in his favour. This followed intense lobbying by the Government after he was rejected by the Budgetary Control committee last month.