One of Enda Kenny’s final acts as Taoiseach was to name his own legal advisor as a judge – without applying for the role.
Senior counsel Maire Whelan – who steps down today after six years as Attorney General – attended the weekly meetings of Kenny’s cabinet.
- Advertisement -
Yesterday the cabinet nominated her to fill a role on the Court of Appeal, which carries a salary of over 180,000 a year.
But it’s been confirmed that Whelan did not apply for the job, and was not scrutinised by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board.
A spokesman said the government therefore used its own constitutional powers to nominate Ms Whelan for the job.
