Kenny appoints AG as Court of Appeal judge

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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.

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.