Simon says: ‘I apologise for causing political embarrassment’

THE Katherine Zappone controversy saw Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney making a second appearance before the Oireachtas Committee on Tuesday morning to explain details surrounding the infamous UN envoy role.

On Monday it was revealed that Ms Zappone, the former children’s minister and Dublin South West TD, thanked Mr Coveney in early March for offering her the role, over four months before the Taoiseach was informed.

Appearing before the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Coveney apologised for his “sloppiness” and causing “a political embarrassment”, but stated Zappone did not ask for a job.

He says he did not speak to Katherine Zappone until July 19, despite the fact that she had been looking for updates.

“How do you believe that not to be lobbying?” asked TD Gary Gannon (Soc Dems) of Minister Coveney during the committee hearing.

Deputy Gannon said: “We know she (Zappone) contacted Pascal Donohue, Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Ambassador to the UN, and yourself (Coveney), and then asked for an introduction to Samantha Power (Dublin-born US government official and diplomat).”

Mr Coveney responded that he did not see it as formal lobbying.

Crumlin Senator Catherine Ardagh (FF) said it was “astonishing” that Zappone could “write the role herself” and people “deserve transparency” on whether Mr Coveney was lobbied.

Senator Lynn Boylan (SF) said the process “stinks” and that there are now further questions for the Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.