Katherine Zappone tends to ponder and mull over decisions, often delaying a final judgment. Unlike others, she does not make up her mind until she has read all the material, examined all the angles.
In the fast-moving world of politics, where verbal ducking and weaving is a recognised skill set, Zappone’s habits have led to claims of political naivety, never more so than now.
Her failure to brief the Cabinet after her meeting with Sgt Maurice McCabe and his wife Lorraine still provokes amazement among her political colleagues.
Given the import of what McCabe had told her about the child and family agency Tusla – and its role in the making of false allegations of sexual abuse – there continues to be bafflement that she failed to bring it up in Cabinet.
Denying the charge of naivety, Zappone – just back from the United States – “discerned” that Tusla was always part of any inquiry into the scandal, but admitted she had learned from the the criticism of colleagues.
Despite learning lessons, she chose again to reopen the controversy by contradicting Taoiseach Enda Kenny, insisting that she had told him on Tuesday before Cabinet that Tusla were involved.
Gay rights advocate
Zappone first came to prominence in Ireland as a gay rights advocate and founder of An Cosán, a Tallaght-based adult education initiative, defending marginal and minority groups.
Nominated to the Seanad in 2011 as an Independent by then tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, she never associated with the party during her time in the Upper Chamber, often voting against the then coalition.
But she was not radical, tending to rely on pragmatism and principle. She even dabbled with the beginnings of what became the Social Democrats.
Following her election to the Dáil in 2016, her behaviour was markedly different from other Independents.
Unlike those involved in protracted negotiations with Fine Gael , Zappone indicated early that she was willing to sign on the dotted line if she got comfort on some modest demands, including the equality-proofing of budgets.
Once in Government, Zappone avoided grandstanding, which brought charges that she is too cosy with Fine Gael – an accusation that came to a head after she voted against a Private Member’s Bill to repeal the Eighth Amendment.
Making her mind up
Nevertheless, she annoyed some in Fine Gael when she took days to make up her mind about her attitude to the European Commission’s Apple tax ruling, insisting on making herself familiar with all the details and issues.
Certainly, she is comfortable within the current administration, with few instances of any friction between her and Fine Gael ministers. Her Independent status is a subtle one.
She believes in collegiate decision-making and collective responsibility. She has tended to emphasise her independence as being manifested in policy and in advances for equality, the biggest example being the major childcare package she presented in October’s Budget.
Despite her relative inexperience at this level of politics, even her supporters in Government will struggle to see Zappone’s handling of the McCabe meeting as part of the “learning curve” of a newcomer.
