Varadkar is lost for words..
The chairman of the board that Tony O’Brien is going to serve on is Thomas Lynch, what is your relationship to him Taoiseach @campaignforleo, and is it true he hosted a fundraiser for you last year? @RoisinShortall #Dail #CervicalCheck #tonighttv3 pic.twitter.com/XpwSb8VDvi
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) May 2, 2018
Leaders’ Questions becomes Promised Legislation and still a lot of anger at Tony O’Brien’s new role on the board of a US contraceptive manufacturer – quite a few TDs who say it evidently is
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) May 2, 2018
Oof! Taoiseach confirms the chairman of that U.S. company. Thomas Lynch, is the chairman of the Mater… and also hosted a fundraiser for the Taoiseach last year… https://t.co/d22ApRVoX9
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) May 2, 2018
Further to this…
Last May…
Kevin Doyle, in the Irish Independent, reported:
A high-flying businessman who chairs the board of the Mater Hospital hosted a secret fundraising supper for Leo Varadkar this week, the Irish Independent can reveal.
The frontrunner to be the next taoiseach has held a number of fundraising events in recent months, including one on Tuesday night at an exclusive private members’ club in Dublin city centre. The event was hosted by Thomas Lynch who is believed to have made a small fortune through his involvement in the pharma sector.
Mr Lynch is currently chairperson of the Dublin East Hospital Group whose remit includes St Vincent’s University Hospital and the National Maternity Hospital.
He is also chair of Icon plc, one of the world’s largest clinical research organisations and has a colourful CV including a period as chief financial officer at drugs firm Elan.
The Irish Independent understands the Belfast native invited a select group of business people to a ‘meet and greet’ with Mr Varadkar at the plush Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club.
Businessman hosts ‘secret supper’ fundraiser for Varadkar (Irish Independnent, May 2017)
Related: Minister allowed O’Brien to join US firm while running HSE (Irish Times)