Joan Burton quiet on Enda Kenny’s remarks

Labour leader Joan Burton has declined to say whether Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s TV leaders’ debate admission he was responsible for a key “cronyism” appointment in 2014 will damage the coalition’s re-election bid.

At her party’s final pre-election press conference, the tánaiste declined four times to confirm whether the controversy will further reduce Government support.

During Tuesday’s four-way RTÉ TV debate, Mr Kenny took responsibility for John McNulty’s 2014 appointment to the Irish Museum of Modern Art board so he could secure a Seanad nomination. Two years ago, the taoiseach told the Dáil he was not responsible for the alleged cronyism move.