Andrew McDowell, the taoiseach’s economic adviser and author of Fine Gael’s election manifesto, secured the role after cabinet approved the appointment yesterday. The Luxembourg-based bank is the EU’s investment arm and works closely with all of its institutions. Shane Ross, the transport minister, effectively blocked the Fine Gael leader… Andrew McDowell, left, who wrote Fine Gael’s last election manifesto, was approved by the cabinet for the role at EIB MARK STEDMAN/ROLLINGNEWSOne of Enda Kenny’s closest advisers has become vice-president of the European Investment Bank after a cabinet controversy over the hiring process for the position. Mr Kenny had been forced to publicly advertise the four-year post, which commands a salary of €278,000 a year, following a row with the Independent Alliance.

Source: The Times July 05, 2016 23:03 UTC