UNIONISTS have condemned what they describe as the "ever increasing influence of the Irish Government" in the affairs of Northern Ireland after it was revealed yesterday that 53 candidates suggested by the Government hold public appointments in the North.
The Northern Ireland Office confirmed in correspondence with Belfast City Council that these 53 people hold 79 public's appointments on the bodies to which they were nominated.
The correspondence took place after the Ulster Unionist Party's councillor Fred Cobain, leader of his party on Belfast City Council, raised the issue at the council's Policy and Resources Committee.
In a subsequent letter to Northern Minister of State, Sir John Wheeler, the chief executive of the council asked for the names of people suggested by the Government for public appointments in Northern Ireland since the Anglo Irish Agreement.
Sir John's private secretary replied: "Since the signing of the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985, the Irish Government has nominated 158 people for public appointments in Northern Ireland.
"It is not possible to identify all those appointed since 1985 but 53 candidates proposed by the Irish Government currently hold 79 public appointments on the bodies to which they were nominated. Appointments are made on the basis of merit and it is not the government's practice to publish information on the source of any candidate's nomination for membership of a public body."
Mr Cobain claimed yesterday that the Government was taking decisions on the day to day governing of Northern Ireland "through their appointed puppets".
"Decisions pertaining to security, health, education and housing matters to name but a few - are being influenced by this formal role which the Irish Government has been given on quangos.
He demanded that a detailed list of the "Irish Government appointees" be made available.