Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

TD calls for public appointments watchdog

The Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West, Seán Crowe, has called for a Public Appointments Commission watchdog after a Sunday newspaper revelation that outgoing Fianna Fáil ministers rewarded 59 friends and supporters with jobs on state bodies.

"These people may all be very able and worthy appointments, but this looks like 'jobs for the boys' - personal patronage with influential public positions," said Crowe.

"There is a very real whiff of feudal times with public titles being handed out by departing rulers.

"The Dáil should set up a Public Appointments Commission - which includes the social partners - to oversee recommendations for public service posts such as judges and members of state boards."