23 May 2000

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Sinn Féin TD Ó Caoláin to support motion of censure on O'Flaherty appointment

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin will support the Dáil Private Members' Motion censuring the Government's nomination of Judge Hugh O'Flaherty as vice-president of the European Investment Bank.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

``This appointment is entirely inappropriate given the failure of Judge O'Flaherty to account for his role in the Sheedy affair before the Oireachtas.

``I opposed the legislation in the Dáil last year which awarded a very large pension to Judge O'Flaherty.

I share the public anger at the prospect of a judge, whose conduct in the Sheedy affair was criticised in the Chief Justice's report, now being placed by this Government in a highly lucrative post, apparently as compensation from Finance Minister McCreevy for embarrassment suffered last year. This is not about the personality of a judge but about the credibility of a government.''

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