THE appointment of the editor of Radio Ulster's Nolan Show as the Stormont government's new spin doctor in chief has been questioned by opposition parties.
David Gordon (51), who previously worked as the Belfast Telegraph's political editor and investigations reporter, will assume the newly-created role of Executive press secretary early next month.
It was announced on Tuesday, the day after it emerged former BBC journalist Stephen Grimason is retiring from his job as the Executive's director of communications.
Concern has been voiced that there was no competition ahead of Mr Gordon's appointment to the £75,400 a year post.
The Executive Office said the award-winning journalist is not a civil servant and that while the post was not advertised, he was recruited in line with regulations governing public appointments
It said he will provide "expert media advice" to the First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, while "spearheading the communication of Executive policies and strategies".
In a joint statement welcoming the appointment, the two Stormont leaders described Mr Gordon as "an experienced and well-regarded journalist".
"We have a good story to tell of a united Executive team making good on its promises to the electorate."
A former NUJ shop steward at the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Gordon has worked for BBC's The Nolan Show for the past five years.
He is largely credited with providing the behind-the-scenes support and detailed information which enabled Stephen Nolan to grill ministers and dissect party manifestos.
His 2009 book The Fall of the House of Paisley charted the political downfall of Ian Paisley and his son Ian jnr's resignation as a Stormont junior minister.
In a statement on Facebook, he described the job offer as "an opportunity I simply could not turn down".
"Bread and butter issues will be at the forefront of the next five years and the Executive has vital work to do improving and protecting public services," Mr Gordon said.
"I will enjoy getting a different perspective on the interaction between journalists and government."
He said journalists have a duty to hold politicians to account and "ask the tough questions that need to be asked".
"But it is important that government has space to make its case too," he added.
However, Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said he was "deeply concerned" by the appointment of what he termed a "ninth Executive Office special adviser"
"Is this coincidence that this appointment comes at a time when Stormont has its first official opposition?" he said.
SDLP MLA Richie McPhillips said Mr Gordon was joining a "department bloated with spin doctors but devoid of responsibility".
"In a climate of cuts to welfare, to public services and to civil service jobs, the Executive Office should be leading the way in tightening its belt," he said.
