The way in which the cabinet conducts its business is set for a major change after the controversial appointment of the former Attorney General as a judge.
It’s believed the rules will change so that less items can be added to the agenda at the last minute, as was the case with the nomination of Máire Whelan last week.
Máire Whelan was confirmed as a judge of the Court of Appeal by President Michael D Higgins yesterday, amid the controversy.
The situation has seen heavy criticism of the new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar – as well as suggestions that Fianna Fáil could bring down the government and force a snap general election.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley acknowledges that Fine Gael breached the confidence and supply arrangement but doesn’t believe there is public appetite for an election.
Only a handful of ministers knew before the meeting last week that Ms Whelan would be proposed for the job, after a last minute item was added to the daily agenda.
It’s led to the reported change of cabinet conduct to eliminate this in future.
Independent Minister Denis Naughten says he was assured by the Taoiseach that the reliance on so called “under the arm” memos would be addressed.
