Motion of confidence in deputy PM passed in Irish parliament
Xinhua, January 21, 2016 Adjust font size:
Ireland's Dail Eireann, the country's lower house of parliament, on Wednesday passed a motion of confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton by 81 votes to 32.
The current coalition government tabled the motion of confidence in response to a motion of no confidence put forward by the Independent Alliance, following the appointment by the deputy prime minister of David Begg to the position of Chair of the Pensions Authority.
There were fiery scenes in the Dail Eireann as deputies debated the motion.
The Independent Alliance said the Labor Party leader's decision to give the ex-trade unionist a government job is a "return to Celtic tiger cronyism".
The Labor Party formed a coalition government with Fine Gael (the United Ireland Party) after the 2011 general election.
Burton, who is also minister for social protection, offered Begg the role of chair of the Pensions Authority two weeks ago. It sparked controversy as the job did not go through the public service advertising or the appointments process.
But Burton defended her appointment of Begg, describing him was a totally trustworthy man and a person of great ability and experience who has given years of public service. Enditem