Sinn Féin has called for the creation of a public appointments watchdog after it emerged yesterday that outgoing Fianna Fáil ministers made 59 appointments to semi-state bodies prior to leaving office.
There is a very real whiff of feudal times with public titles being handed out by departing rulers.
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The party's TD for Dublin South West, Mr Seán Crowe, said that altough some of the people appointed may well be qualified for the posts, the appointments appeared to be "jobs for the boys".
"These people may all be very able and worthy appointments, but this looks like "jobs for the boys" - personal patronage with influential public positions," Mr Crowe said.
"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."
Earlier this morning, Fine Gael party leader Mr Enda Kenny called for a "frank and full disclosure" on how the appointments were made.