Sir, – Much as I admire Katherine Zappone, and would normally be delighted for a woman to get a plum job, this appointment is just too much to take. It looks like Fine Gael decided on a nice job for her, suggested by herself (depending on who you believe), and forgot to tell their partners in Government. This can only do irreparable damage to Fine Gael, and, an even worse outcome, further insult the intelligence of the Irish people. I’m glad to have the freedom of expression to say this.– Yours, etc,
SHEILA DEEGAN,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has made a fine choice in the nomination of former Independent TD and minister Katherine Zappone as Irish UN special envoy for freedom of opinion and expression. Together with her evidently strong record in this domain of human rights, the fact that she is based in New York will be beneficial.
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As regards much debate surrounding the appointment, it is perfectly appropriate for Ministers to use their discretion in the nomination of their adjudged best fit for special envoy roles. Is there anything fundamentally different between the appointment of Katherine Zappone and the appointment of Dame Nuala O’Loan as Irish UN special envoy for women and peace-making following the announcement of then minister for foreign affairs Micheál Martin in 2009? – Yours, etc,
Cllr JOHN KENNEDY,
(Fine Gael),
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
County Council Offices,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – To help the Taoiseach move on from that sneaky appointment, he could be given the brief for community-led housing. It could be called the Meitheal Martin. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KEEGAN,
Merrion,
Co Dublin.