By Annie West
Update:
Michael Lowry appeared on RTÉ R1’s News at One with Aine Lawlor earlier:
Aine Lawlor: “You say it would have been appropriate to hand a noteback to either the sender, or the recipient – which would be yourself – or Enda Kenny. Maybe, it’s also appropriate that appointments to State Boards would go through The Public Appointments Service, and not across The Dail, and sold in little notes?”
Lowry: “Well, they do… and all the appointments in the process…, and to put this into context, Aine, is that this lady is already a member of the board, highly capable,very efficient – and is a very capable member of the board.
Lawlor: “And she was appointed, wasn’t she by Brian Cowen’s government, of which, you, of course supported. Did you request her appointment from Brian Cowen?”
Lowry: “She went through the same process, as she’s going through with this government”.
Lawlor: “And did she ask you at the time to lobby on her behalf with Brian Cowen – and did you write a note to Brian Cowen and discuss her appointment with NTA?”
Lowry: “… The answer to your question Aine, is no. And what I think you should really concentrate and focus on is that, here is a young woman who has proven herself to be an exceptionally capable and talented member of the board. She was actually as now, as established a good appointment to the board. And the point I made was that she be re-appointed on her ability, and the fact that she has already proven her capability to be a very efficient member of the NTA Board.”
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