Celia Larkin's North Dublin beauty business posted flat growth in 2004, according to accounts filed with the Companies Office late last week.

The accounts show that Ms Larkin's company, Beauty at Blue Door, had losses of €47,739 in its profit and loss account at the end of last year.

This compares to a retained loss of €48,232 at the end of 2003.

Cash balances at the company, which operates beauty salons, increased from €807 to €3,618 over the year. Total assets less current liabilities were in the red by €34,215 at the end of 2004, compared to €21,022 a year earlier.

Beauty at Blue Door was founded by Ms Larkin and her then business partner, Mary Kerrigan, at the start of 2002.

Ms Larkin continued to act as director at the end of 2004, but Ms Kerrigan is no longer listed as a director in the latest set of accounts. The second directorship was held by Alice Minogue at the end of last year.

Beauty at Blue Door does not report full financial statements but, instead, avails of an exemption for smaller companies.

Ms Larkin most recently came to public attention when the Taoiseach, her former partner, nominated her to join the board of the National Consumer Agency. The new body has been formed to protect and promote consumer interests.

Ms Larkin's appointment created some controversy, giving rise to accusations of government cronyism. These were rebuffed.