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 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]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Merrion Gatewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Duffy, Rónán (5 August 2021). "The Irish Times view on the Zappone affair: questions of judgment". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Striking similaritieswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ 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.
- ^ McNiece, Stephen (5 August 2021). "Attorney General has 'created widespread anger' with outdoor gatherings intervention - Ó Broin". Newstalk. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Zappone declineswas invoked but never defined (see the help page).