Why did Katherine Zappone's UN envoy appointment spark a political crisis?

At a time when TDs and ministers are usually winding down after the end of the Dáil term, the Government is facing a political crisis. It started last Tuesday August 27th, when journalist Daniel McConnell tweeted that the Cabinet had agreed to appoint Katherine Zappone, the former minister for children, to a newly-created role of UN Special Envoy on Freedom of Opinion and Expression. The move sparked calls for clarity over the appointment process, with Opposition TDs describing it as "cronyism" and lacking any real transparency. Then, just as the controversy seemed to be dying down, reports emerged that Zappone had organised an outdoor gathering of friends and former colleagues, including Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin. Zappone has since decided to turn down the UN Envoy role. The Irish Times political reporter Jack Horgan-Jones takes Sorcha Pollak through the twists and turns of this political scandal.

Produced by Declan Conlon, Jennifer Ryan and Suzanne Brennan. 

Opening music by Hugh Rodgers. 

www.irishtimes.com/podcasts

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