Flanagan ‘satisfied’ with Whelan appointment as row rumbles on

He said: “I’m satisfied that all procedures and processes have been dealt with fully, in accordance with the law. The appointment of the two High Court judges, and the judge for the Court of Appeal, were dealt with by the Cabinet.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also sought to kill off the row yesterday, telling a press conference in London that he had looked in to the appointment and had concluded that Ms Whelan was “uniquely qualified for the office”.

He told the Irish Times: “What was done was lawful, in accordance with the Constitution and in accordance with the law, it had precedent and proper procedure was followed. The Minister for Justice had all of the recommendations and made a recommendation to Cabinet. As is the normal process and procedure, one name was brought to Cabinet. It is never the case that Cabinet discusses a shortlist. It is a good appointment, it’s lawful and therefore I stand over it.”