The Independent Alliance has confirmed it had to insist the Government’s appointment of a Vice President of the European Investment Bank was made through an open process.

However the group said it has not objected to former Taoiseach John Bruton being put forward.

The job is one of the most senior in Europe and comes with a salary of €278,000 a year. The post is now publicly advertised.

Ten days ago, Mr Kenny approached Independent Alliance Transport Minister Shane Ross and informed him of his desire to nominate someone to become vice-president of the European Investment Bank (EIB) without undergoing a formal vetting process.

(The names of former taoiseach John Bruton and former Department of Finance secretary general John Moran have been linked to the prestigious post.)

As reported by Daniel McConnell, Mr Ross adamantly refused to sanction the move and Mr Kenny was forced to abandon his plan.

Mr Ross insisted that all appointments of this nature must be subject to a rigorous selection process and that he would not approve Mr Kenny’s proposal.

It is understood that Mr Ross repeatedly asked Mr Kenny for the name of the person he wished to promote, but the Taoiseach repeatedly refused to answer.

Following the row, Mr Ross was said to be “absolutely furious”.

Minister Finian McGrath (pictured) today confirmed the Independent Alliance instructed Fine Gael to abide by the programme for Government and to advertise the post.

“We had to stand our ground, but iut was done amicably and businesslike behind closed doors,” he said.