Kildare Politicians Respond To Zappone Party

Katherine Zappone will now not accept UN Special Envoy role

Yesterday, former Children's Minister Katherine Zappone confirmed she will not be accepting the role of UN Special Envoy on Freedom of Expression & Opinion.

Ms. Zappone said the criticism of the appointment in recent days has impacted the legitimacy of the job itself.

There had been controversy about the Government appointing a former Minister and Zappone's recent hosting of an event for 50 people at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, which including Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar.

Ms. Zappone said the role of Special Envoy on Freedom of Opinion and Expression could only be acceptable and valuable to the country if the appointment had the support of all parties.

On this morning's 'Kildare Today' various public representatives gave their views on the issue, including Fianna Fáil's James Lawless:

Sinn Fein's Réada Cronin, TD for Kildare North:

Fianna Fáil Senator, Fiona O'Loughlin:

Junior Minister, Fine Gael's Martin Heydon:

Independent TD, Cathal Berry:

Patricia Ryan, TD for Sinn Féin provided a statement to KFM:

"The issue has 2 elements, the cosy cartel that can see someone ask their friend for a handy number at the tax payers expense and also the moving of the goalposts to suit the gathering, which looks like it was against the guidelines.

It reminds me of George Orwells Animal Farm where some animals are more equal than others.

Behaviour like this turns people against all politicians and is a terrible example to set.

It plays into the hands of the conspiracy theorists who point to politicians behaviour as proof that this is a made up pandemic. Nothing could be further from the truth.

There should not be one rule for the haves and another for the have nots.

It is a slap in the face to those families who have postponed weddings and other ceremonies.

My colleague Matt Carthy has asked that this appointment be discussed at the Public Accounts Committee, we need to restore public confidence and ensure that this kind of thing does not happen again."

Social Democrats co-Leader, Catherine Murphy also issued a statement to the programme:

"Public jobs should be advertised in an open and transparent manner. There should be no exceptions.

The statement issued yesterday that 200 people can legally meet outdoors will come as a surprise to most people, and does appear to be convenient.

Throughout the pandemic there has been confusion between what is guidance as opposed to what is not legally permitted. Essential we are all operating to the same rules. Otherwise the public will understandably feel they are being made fools of."