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.

However, during the leaders’ debate Mr Kenny said “what I did was make an appointment that did not need to be made”.

Asked four times about Mr Kenny’s comments, Ms Burton first said the 2014 incident “wasn’t his [Mr Kenny’s] finest hour”, but that it had led to reforms.

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However, she declined to predict what impact it would have on tomorrow’s vote.

Meanwhile, Ms Burton said Ireland could inadvertently see one of “the most conservative governments in recent decades” elected in the form of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil unless voters continue Labour support.

Flanked by Communications Minister Alex White and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin, she said “nobody wants” that coalition, claiming Fianna Fáil’s arrogance is returning. “It’s old wine in new bottles, the new Micheál [Martin] bottles,” she said.

Ms Burton was asked if she would stay as leader if Labour leaves government, but said “I do not envisage” the party not being re-elected. Neither Mr Howlin nor Mr White confirmed if they would seek the position.

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— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) February 24, 2016