Ahern rejects Opposition claims of cronyism

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, tonight faced down Opposition claims of political cronyism over the appointment of one of his friends, Mr Joe Burke, as chairman of Dublin Port Authority.

Former Fine Gael leader Mr Alan Dukes queried whether Mr Burke was qualified to take up the post which was announced the day after the Dail was dissolved for the General Election.

He said: "It was another example of the Taoiseach’s contribution to the culture of corruption which is damaging our political system at home and good name of Ireland abroad".

Labour leader Mr Ruairi Quinn also accused the Government of making "a number of surprisingly partisan appointments" to State bodies.

"Labour's manifesto contains commitments to a more open and transparent appointment process. It is an appropriate and balanced response to concerns about patronage that have arisen.

"The Taoiseach should respond in a similar vein and he could start by making it known what appointments have been made and which are upcoming," Mr Quinn said.

Mr Ahern came under further attack when it emerged that Minister for the Marine Mr Fahey, did not consult coalition partners, the Progressive Democrats, before the move.

However Mr Ahern, campaigning in west Dublin, brushed aside criticism - insisting Mr Burke got the job on merit: "Joe Burke has a number of attributes for that ... He's always had an interest in the port. His wife's family has been very involved in the port, is from the port and lived in the port.

"He has always been a great protector of people in the port."

The PDs also defended the appointment, saying Mr Burke had a "proven business track record".