Ryans Bit- On- The- Side, Claimed She Was Unaware Of His Coke Addiction. UNICEF And The Irish Public Thought Otherwise.

Keep Gerry Ryan away, UNICEF told Melanie

Verwoerd considers legal bid after being sacked by UNICEF

By Ken Sweeney and Sam Smyth

Tuesday July 26 2011

THE board of UNICEF Ireland instructed former director Melanie Verwoerd that her late partner Gerry Ryan was not to accompany her to official charity events when he was alive, the Irish Independent has learned.
The revelation emerged last night as sources close to Ms Verwoerd confirmed she was considering legal action against her former employers following her controversial sacking.
UNICEF Ireland again refused to comment on Ms Verwoerd's dismissal last night.
However, sources revealed the charity had difficulties with their executive director's high-profile relationship with Mr Ryan as far back as October 2008, when details of their affair were first made public.
"The board also told Melanie to stop Gerry acting as MC at other UNICEF events even though he didn't take a fee," said one source .
Ms Verwoerd broke down in tears as she was consoled by colleagues after she cleared out her desk at the UNICEF offices in Dublin yesterday.
Friends last night said the mother-of-two was "still in shock" after it was revealed she lost her job as a result of publicity surrounding her relationship with Mr Ryan.
The Irish Independent has learned there was no time limit on Ms Verwoerd's contract with UNICEF.
She declined to make any further comment about her sacking last night.
However, sources close to the high-profile former ANC politician and South African ambassador to Ireland confirmed she was now seeking legal advice after her shock dismissal.
"Melanie ate, slept and breathed UNICEF. She had a very tough year and it was the one thing that has kept her going," an insider told the Irish Independent.
Friends said that whatever happens, Ms Verwoerd intended to continue her charity work and remain in Ireland, where she holds dual citizenship. Her two children are also studying full-time in this country.
UNICEF Ireland has already suffered a serious potential financial setback over the controversy.
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