Katherine Zappone controversy

The Katherine Zappone controversy, also known as the Merrion Hotel controversy or Merrion Gate,[1][2] was a political scandal in Ireland involving associates and former colleagues of former Minister for Children Katherine Zappone who attended an outdoor gathering at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, on 21 July 2021, six days prior to her controversial appointment as UN special envoy.[3]

The controversy has largely centred around Katherine Zappone
The controversy has largely centred around Katherine Zappone

The gathering took place during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland. A total of about 50 guests attended the gathering organised by Zappone, including the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar.[4]

Following the publication of the story on 4 August by the Irish Independent,[5] there was widespread anger among opposition TDs.[6][7] Ultimately Zappone would decline to take up the position as UN envoy following criticism of the appointment procedure.[8]

Background

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The Merrion Hotel, seen pictured here, played host to the event organised by Zappone.

On 27 July 2021, during a Cabinet meeting, it was revealed that Zappone was to be appointed to the newly created position of "Special Envoy to the UN for Freedom of Opinion and Expression". It subsequently emerged that the proposed appointment had not been flagged in advance of the meeting where it was proposed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, raising the concerns of the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.[9] However, he did not block the appointment, attracting criticism from within government, the opposition and the public, with Sinn Féin describing the appointment as "cronyism".[10]

In the following days, it was reported that Zappone had lobbied for the creation of and appointment to the part-time position, which was not openly advertised or subject to a competition.[11]

Calls for Zappone to decline the job gained momentum on 4 August after the Merrion Hotel controversy arose when the Irish Independent reported that six days prior to the announcement of her appointment (on 21 July),[12] Zappone had hosted a gathering for 50 guests, including politicians such as the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, at the Merrion Hotel, while the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland was ongoing. Comparisons were made between the gathering and the Golfgate scandal from earlier in the pandemic.[4] Zappone, the Merrion Hotel, the Attorney General and the Tánaiste all insisted that the event was compliant with COVID-19 rules at the time.[13]

Later that same day, Zappone announced that she would not take up the envoy role, stating "While I am honoured to have been appointed by the Government to be the Special Envoy on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, it is clear that criticism of the appointment process has impacted the legitimacy of the role itself. It is my conviction that a Special Envoy role can only be of real value to Ireland and to the global community if the appointment is acceptable to all parties."[8]

The controversy took another twist as the Government Press Office released a statement saying that advice from the Attorney General Paul Gallagher was that organised events and gatherings could take place for up to 200 people "including social, recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment or community events".[14]

Notable attendees

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Reaction and consequences

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Following the breaking of the story, the gathering was criticised heavily across Irish society.

The Government was accused by Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy of throwing public health guidelines "out the window" and changing COVID-19 guidelines to "retrospectively approve the attendance of Tánaiste at an event". The claim by Carthy was made after the Attorney General issued a statement saying that the COVID-19 regulations "provide for organised outdoor events and gatherings of up to 200 people".[22][23]

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called for the guest list for the Merrion Hotel function to be made public,[24] while her party colleague, David Cullinane, accused the Government of "making it up as they go along" following the statement outlining the Attorney General's advice and that the Fáilte Ireland guidelines state that "organised events are currently not permitted" with certain exceptions.[25]

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said the gathering was a "jaw-dropping mix of hypocrisy and cronyism".[26]

As the story developed, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney acknowledged they made mistakes in seeking to give a newly created taxpayer-funded job to Zappone, their former Government colleague.[27] Varadkar issued a statement confirming he attended the gathering and said he was "confident" that COVID-19 regulations were not breached.[28]

The appointment of Zappone to the job blindsided the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who said he had no prior knowledge of the proposal going to Cabinet.[29]

The next day, on 5 August, the political controversy continued with Minister of State and Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler describing as a "complete shambles" the handling of the appointment of Zappone to the special envoy role,[30] while there were calls for Varadkar to make a further statement on the controversy and the advice from Government that outdoor social events of up to 200 people were permitted under COVID-19 regulations.[1] The chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins said that the hospitality sector did not know until the Attorney General confirmed that up to 200 people were allowed for outdoor gatherings within social settings.[31]

In the wake of the controversy, Fáilte Ireland updated its hospitality guidelines on 6 August to allow customers book multiple tables and host outdoor gatherings with live music for up to 200 people.[32][33]

Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane said that it is incredible that Varadkar, who was negotiating the regulations for the hospitality sector, had to ring the hotel and ask if the event he was attending was in compliance with the health guidelines.[34]

Speaking on RTÉ News: Six One, Varadkar expressed his regret for attending the event, but said it was not in breach of Government regulations, and "probably" not in breach of Fáilte Ireland guidelines.[35][36]

On 8 August, the Taoiseach made his first comments about Varadkar's attendance at the event saying there were shortcomings of "clarity and consistency" in guidelines and that regulations were not breached, but that guidelines were not clear about the status of such events.[37]

On 10 August, Fianna Fáil's youth wing Ógra Fianna Fáil called on Varadkar to resign following his attendance at the event.[38][39] In a statement it said that it was "deeply concerned" by the Varadkar's conduct and that it would be a "mistake" for him to become Taoiseach in December 2022.[40]

On 1 September, Simon Coveney admitted that he had deleted texts from his phone in relation to the Zappone affair. Coveney gave a number of reasons for deleting the texts, including that he had deleted them for more storage space, and for security reasons as his phone had previously been "hacked". Coveney's explanations were criticised by many members of the Dáil, including by members of government coalition members Fianna Fáil. Senator Catherine Ardagh of Fianna Fáil stated it "beggars belief that important text messages related to work matters would be deleted" while Fianna Fáil TD James Lawless said "Modern phones have ample storage without having to frequently delete. I would also question to what extent is there an obligation on those subject to Freedom of Information to retain such information".[41] On 6 September, the Department of Foreign Affairs released a collection of over one hundred documents in response to Freedom of Information requests relating to the appointment of a special envoy.[42] Coveney appeared at the Committee on Foreign Affairs the following day and apologised for the "political fiasco" surrounding the role.[43]

Zappone was invited to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, but chose not to attend. As a US citizen and resident, the committee had no power to compel her attendance.[44]

Vote of no confidence in Simon Coveney

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The Zappone Affair led to a motion of no confidence being brought against Simon Coveney

On 15 September, upon the return of Dáil Éireann from a summer recess, a motion of no confidence was brought forward by Sinn Féin against Simon Coveney as a direct result of the Zappone appointment and his subsequent handling of the affair in the aftermath of the details becoming public. High-profile Fianna Fáil member Marc MacSharry resigned from the parliamentary party in order to vote against Coveney.[45] Regardless, Coveney survived the motion 92 votes to 59 as the government parties enforced the whip on the vote, while Independent TDs generally sided with the government on the vote as well.[46]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Duffy, Rónán (5 August 2021). "Merrion Gate: Taoiseach and Tánaiste called on to explain 'grubby little episode'". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  2. ^ Duffy, Rónán (5 August 2021). "The Irish Times view on the Zappone affair: questions of judgment". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  3. ^ Loughnane, Alan (4 August 2021). "Katherine Zappone hosted 50 friends, including Leo Varadkar, at five-star Dublin hotel days before envoy appointment". JOE.ie. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  4. ^ a b Loughlin, Elaine (4 August 2021). "'Striking similarities' between golfgate controversy and Katherine Zappone function". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  5. ^ Ryan, Philip (4 August 2021). "Katherine Zappone 'assured by hotel' that party with 50 friends, including Tánaiste, was in line with Covid-19 restrictions". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  6. ^ McNiece, Stephen (5 August 2021). "Attorney General has 'created widespread anger' with outdoor gatherings intervention - Ó Broin". Newstalk. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  7. ^ Lee, John (5 August 2021). "'Put my doorman back on' — Zappone refuses to comment on cronyism scandal from plush NY apartment". Extra.ie. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  8. ^ a b Hosford, Paul (4 August 2021). "Breaking: Zappone will not take up Special Envoy role". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  9. ^ Ryan, Philip (27 July 2021). "Taoiseach not told in advance of decision to appoint Katherine Zappone to taxpayer-funded UN role". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  10. ^ Moloney, Senan (29 July 2021). ""We look like fools" – TDs upset at how Katherine Zappone was given job as free speech envoy". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  11. ^ McConnell, Daniel (28 July 2021). "Zappone lobbied Simon Coveney for Special Envoy role". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  12. ^ Ryan, Philip (4 August 2021). "Katherine Zappone 'assured by hotel' that party with 50 friends, including Tánaiste, was in line with Covid-19 restrictions". Irish Independent. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  13. ^ Burke, Céimin (5 August 2021). "The Zappone Saga: How the controversy played out in the past week, and why she had to quite". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  14. ^ Ryan, Philip (4 August 2021). "Attorney General says parties of up to 200 allowed outdoors as Leo Varadkar says he is 'confident' he didn't break Covid rules at Zappone party". Irish Independent. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  15. ^ Ryan, Philip (4 August 2021). "Katherine Zappone held party with 50 friends including Leo Varadkar in Dublin hotel". Sunday World. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  16. ^ Ryan, Philip (4 August 2021). "New TD Ivana Bacik attended Katherine Zappone's controversial party at luxury Dublin hotel". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  17. ^ Bacik, Ivana (27 February 2015). "Ivana Bacik: No rational basis to deny gay couples right to marry". The Irish Times. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  18. ^ Ryan, Philip (4 August 2021). "Eamon Ryan's chief-of-staff and Department of Children secretary general both attended Katherine Zappone's controversial party". Irish Independent. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  19. ^ Downing, John (21 October 2016). "Independent Ministers hire former Green Party adviser". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  20. ^ Ryan, Philip (5 August 2021). "Outdoor events with up to 200 allowed as Katherine Zappone resigns amid 'party' fiasco". Sunday World. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  21. ^ "Dr Fergal Lynch". Gov.ie. 31 July 2019. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  22. ^ "Govt accused of throwing Covid guidelines 'out window' over hotel event". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  23. ^ Thomas, Cónal (4 August 2021). "In wake of Zappone hotel controversy, Government says outdoor events of up to 200 can take place". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  24. ^ Phelan, Ciara; Moore, Paul (4 August 2021). "Attorney General says the rules allow for organised outdoor events and gatherings up to 200 people". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  25. ^ David Cullinane T.D. [@davidcullinane] (4 August 2021). "This is bizarre. The Fáilte Ireland guidelines state that 'organised events are currently not permitted' with 'non-social meetings, training & educational programmes' the exception. The Gov now seem to be suggesting that an organised social event up to 200 people is permitted" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 August 2021 – via Twitter.
  26. ^ Ryan, Philip (5 August 2021). "Shock go-ahead for big outdoor events as Zappone resigns amid 'party' fiasco". Irish Independent. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  27. ^ "'Mistakes were made' over Zappone appointment - Coveney". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  28. ^ Phelan, Ciara (4 August 2021). "Leo Varadkar issues statement on controversial Zappone 'gathering' and shares full timeline". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  29. ^ McConnell, Daniel (27 July 2021). "Taoiseach left 'blindsided' by proposal to appoint Zappone as government envoy". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  30. ^ Long, Jennifer (5 August 2021). ""A complete shambles": Mary Butler on the handling of Zappone appointment". WLR FM. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  31. ^ Clarke, Vivienne (5 August 2021). "Hospitality sector did not know 200 people could gather outdoors in social settings until AG confirmed". The Irish Times. Retrieved 5 August 2021.
  32. ^ Ryan, Philip; Moloney, Eoghan (6 August 2021). "Live music and 200 people to be allowed at outdoor parties in wake of Zappone controversy". Irish Independent. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  33. ^ Meskill, Tommy (6 August 2021). "Up to 200 allowed at organised outdoor events". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  34. ^ Cullinane, David (5 August 2021). "Tánaiste's silence undermining public health guidelines - David Cullinane TD". Sinn Féin. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  35. ^ Bray, Jennifer (6 August 2021). "'I probably let my guard down': Leo Varadkar apologises for attending Merrion Hotel event". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  36. ^ "'Probably' no breach of guidelines at hotel event - Varadkar". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  37. ^ McGee, Harry (8 August 2021). "Covid guidelines at time of Zappone event lacked 'clarity' - Taoiseach". The Irish Times. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  38. ^ Gataveckaite, Gabija (10 August 2021). "Fianna Fáil youth wing calls on Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to resign". Irish Independent. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  39. ^ Hosford, Paul (10 August 2021). "Ógra Fianna Fáil calls for Varadkar to resign". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
  40. ^ Ógra Fianna Fáil (10 August 2021). "The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar must resign. We are deeply concerned by the recent conduct of the Tánaiste..." facebook.com. Retrieved 10 August 2021 – via Facebook.
  41. ^ O'Connell, Hugh (1 September 2021). "Merriongate: Simon Coveney admits he deleted crucial text messages with Zappone and Varadkar". Irish Independent. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  42. ^ "Records in relation to Appointment of Special Envoy July 2021". www.dfa.ie. Department of Foreign Affairs. September 2021.
  43. ^ Lehane, Mícheál (7 September 2021). "Coveney apologises for 'political fiasco' over UN role". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  44. ^ Cunningham, Paul (25 September 2021). "Katherine Zappone declines invitation to appear before committee". RTÉ News. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  45. ^ Loughlin, Elaine; Hosford, Paul (15 September 2021). "Marc MacSharry resigns from FF parliamentary party ahead of Coveney vote". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  46. ^ Duffy, Rónán (15 September 2021). "Minister Simon Coveney wins confidence vote in the Dáil by 92 votes to 59". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 15 September 2021.


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