Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has called on everyone involved in the Limerick City of Culture project to unite behind the programme, which he hopes will not be tarnished by the controversy surrounding the appointment of its

chief executive.

His comments follow the row about the appointment of Patricia Ryan after it emerged the position was not advertised.

Ms Ryan was an adviser to former president of the European Parliament Pat Cox, who is chairman of Limerick City of Culture.

Success
Mr Noonan said that "looking at [Ms Ryan's] career to date she is an extremely competent person and we are lucky to have her".

He said he hoped everybody would unite behind Limerick City of Culture to ensure it was a success.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to put the bad times behind us and to put out a new image of the city,” he said.

Mr Noonan was speaking at a ceremony to mark the reopening of the 13th-century King John’s Castle following a €6 million refurbishment.