Minister's anger at questions on PR consultant
Transport Minister Martin Cullen today described questions put to him about an alleged personal relationship with his PR consultant as “despicable and disgraceful.”
He has strenuously denied reports that he had an inappropriate relationship with Monica Leech, a married mother-of-two, whose company he awarded a PR contract worth €1,200 a day.
“I have dealt with the issue and as far as I am concerned the issue is absolutely closed,” he said.
But asked why the newspaper which printed the allegations had been unable to get further specific answers this week, he added: “Most of the questions had already been well answered and some of the questions were despicable, they were disgraceful and no human being should ever be asked such questions.”
Mr Cullen appointed Monica Leech Communications to his department in his previous incarnation as Environment Minister and has strongly defended his decision, insisting he needed a communications specialist to help develop the large-scale Spatial Strategy.
He has criticised a Sunday newspaper report which he claims gave the impression the pair’s relationship went beyond politics or business and said the way a photograph was presented was misleading and may have led people to the wrong conclusion.
The minister, who is separated from his wife, claims the rumours are being spread by one unnamed individual.
Ms Leech was originally employed on a short term tender in July 2002. Four months later the company beat off competition from two other tenders to win a second longer contract which expires in February 2005.
Mr Cullen admitted he had initially suggested Ms Leech’s company be hired as he had worked with them before and had found the work very satisfactory.
The quality of the work produced by Waterford-based Monica Leech Communications has also been recognised by the new Environment Minister Dick Roche.
She is currently working on the external communications structures within the department, a spokesman said.
