The Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly has said the hype surrounding apparent canvassing on his behalf by John Delaney in Co Tipperary has been quite unfair on the FAI boss.
Alan Kelly said John Delaney was a long-time friend from the same county. Minister Kelly denied any element of "cronyism".
Mr Delaney was seen canvassing for Alan Kelly last week in Tipperary as they visited local football clubs.
The Minister (pictured) said any sports grants for Co Tipperary were given according to protocol and the story had been "hyped up" and "blown out of proportion".
"It's incredible...I've never seen anything so blown up out of proportion," he said.
"The simple fact is John Delaney is a friend of mine, privately...
"There was an outstanding engagement in Tipperary…The (club visits) were due to be done some time ago and we got around to them last week."