Murray criticised over
‘Best man’ recommendation

Con Murray, Limerick City and County Councils Manager/CEO, Tom Enright, Director of Economic Development and Planning. Pictured at the �250 million Economic and Spatial plan unveiled for Limerick city. Pic: Brian Arthur /Press 22Limerick 2030-TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE AND A NEW VISION FOR LIMERICKPress Release*Embargo 11am Friday, June 14th 2013*Limerick City and County Councils have announced details of an ambitious plan which will transform Limerick city centre, its economy, and the way it is marketed as an ideal location for investment over the next 17 years.The �250 million euro plan entitled 'Limerick 2030 - An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick' was unveiled today (Friday) by Minister from the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, TD, Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD and Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, TD. It has the potential to deliver 5,000 new jobs and sets out a number of objectives which will considerably change the infrastructure of
The former county manager of Louth County Council is said be ‘furious’ that details have emerged that he recommended the appointment of his ‘Best Man’ to a €98,000 per year position.

The former county manager of Louth County Council is said be ‘furious’ that details have emerged that he recommended the appointment of his ‘Best Man’ to a €98,000 per year position.

Mr Murray was not involved in the selection of the candidate. Mr Murray took up the position as Limerick City and County Manager after being County Manager of Louth Co Council for five years.

Mr Murray was said to be deeply unhappy about an “intrusion” into his personal life, as he faced councillors this Monday afternoon.

After an internal appointment process, a former Shannon Development executive, Dr Pat Daly, was given a senior managerial role at City and County Council, at a salary of €98,000.

A council spokesman told the Irish Independent that while Mr Murray had recommended the appointment, he had not been involved in the selection process.

The latest controversy follows a row over the appointment of Pat Cox’s former aide, Patricia Ryan as CEO of the City of Culture project, without that position having being advertised.

Although he has yet to comment publicly, councillors were told in a private meeting of his anger after the Irish Independent obtained a copy of his marriage certificate.

Colleagues and councillors have rallied around Mr Murray.

Mayor of Limerick Kathleen Leddin described the action as “despicable,” while the leader of the Fine Gael group at City Hall, Cllr Diarmuid Scully, said the manager had the support of the party.

Even Limerick councillors Jim Long and Tom Shortt, who have criticised Mr Murray in the past, came out in support.

Cllr Long said: “In the political arena, you do not go and personalise people’s sentiments, and people’s lives.”

Cllr John Gilligan added: “Marriage is a sacred institution, and I don’t think anyone should go there.

“He thinks people looking at his marriage certificate was an intrusion into his private life.”

Murray was also criticised for appointing former EU President Pat Cox’s assistant. Heappointed Patricia Ryan as the CEO of the Limerick City of Culture 2014 body, of which Mr Cox is chairman, without the post being advertised.