“I did, absolutely.” Varadkar reveals he apologised to Micheál Martin over Katherine Zappone controversy
“I know something about making coalitions work.” Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has revealed that he apologised to Taoiseach Micheál Martin over the ongoing fallout related to the proposed special envoy appointment of Katherine Zappone and has called for a “review and a refresh” of the Freedom of Information Act as a result. In conversation with Mary […]
5 years ago
Simon Coveney says Zappone did not ask for job “at any stage” as he apologises for “sloppiness” of answers
He said that he “didn’t respond” when Zappone initially reached out to him in February. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has said that former Minister Katherine Zappone did not “at any stage” ask him for a job amid contovery over her proposed appointment as UN Special Envoy. The Minister also apologised for the “sloppiness” […]
5 years ago
Zappone was told about Special Envoy role months before job was discussed by Cabinet
Text messages between Zappone and Minister Coveney also revealed she had spoken with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe about the position. Former Minister Katherine Zappone was told about her appointment as UN Special Envoy four months ahead of the job being discussed by Cabinet. In WhatsApp messages released by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday Zappone […]
5 years ago
Barry Cowen: Taoiseach needs to acknowledge content of Varadkar’s controversial texts
Fianna Fáil ministers have been asking why Fine Gael ministers aren’t being held to the same standard. Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has said that Taoiseach Micheál Martin needs to acknowledge the content of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s text messages between himself and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and former minister Katherine Zappone. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar […]
5 years ago
Varadkar regrets attending Merrion event but says it was “probably” within Fáilte Ireland guidelines
“I don’t believe that the guidelines were breached but I do accept that they were ambiguous and they were open to interpretation.” Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has expressed “regret” over attending the 50-person event at the Merrion Hotel on 21 July organised by former minister Katherine Zappone. However, he also stated that the event was not […]
5 years ago