Taoiseach takes Michael Martin criticism over McNulty controversy 'with a grain of salt'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has hit back at criticisms by Michael Martin over the McNulty controversy claiming anything he says he “takes with a grain of salt”.

The Fianna Fail leader had on the Taoiseach to apologise to the Irish Museum of Modern Art’ for “abusing it, undermining it and using it just to facilitate a by-election nomination”.

Mr Martin was speaking in the wake of more revelations surrounding the appointment of Fine Gael member John McNulty to the board of IMMA and his subsequent nomination by the party for the Seanad by-election.

Mr Kenny said any minister can recommend any person for an appointment.

“Anything that Michael Martin says I take it with a grain of salt because that man’s record as a member of a Government for a very long number of years who refused to accept responsibility then speaks for itself,” he said.

Mr Martin accused Taoiseach of showing “a lack of respect for the national institution and has also undermined the Senate once again”.

“I think his comments in the United States that he can do what he wants, essentially, that it’s a matter for him and him alone, is reflective of his style and I think it shows a detachment and a sense of arrogance that because there’s a massive majority, he can undermine institutions of the State in this manner,” Mr Martin added.

He called for the Taoiseach to “go back to the drawing-board” and said that there should be a fresh election for the Seanad vacancy caused by the election of Deirdre Clune as an MEP in June.

Online Editors