Ahern to give Dail account on cash
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Saturday March 29 2008
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern will bow to intense pressure from within the coalition Government and make a statement to the Dail next week about his personal finances.
In what will be one of the most important and scrutinised speeches of his political career, Mr Ahern will attempt on Wednesday to dispel growing unease about contradictions on his personal finances between his evidence and that of his former secretary Grainne Carruth.
His decision to make a statement represents a dramatic U-turn on his previous claim that the tribunal was the "appropriate forum" to deal with the controversy.
It is also deeply embarrassing for Fianna Fail ministers such as Brian Lenihan, Dermot Ahern and Willie O'Dea, who have publicly backed his stance.
The Taoiseach was forced to act after the leaders of the PDs and Green Party called for an explanation about stg£15,000 lodged to his account by Ms Carruth.
A week after Ms Carruth broke down in tears during her testimony in Dublin Castle, the future of the coalition Government was thrown into doubt for the first time since its June 2007 formation.
Sources close to Mr Ahern were yesterday briefing TDs about his planned statement on Wednesday and told them that the Taoiseach's nominated successor, Tanaiste Brian Cowen, will follow up with his own supportive speech in the Dail on Thursday.
The plans for the statement were welcomed last night by both the Greens and the PDs. Both have indicated it will fulfil their demand for Mr Ahern to clear up.
Mr Cowen was dealing with a family bereavement yesterday and sources insisted he had not discussed the latest controversy with Mr Ahern.
PD leader Mary Harney said she had no confirmation of the Taoiseach's plans but she would welcome a statement on Wednesday, if that is what is planned.
"I said yesterday there was public disquiet and there was a need to dispel that public disquiet. If the Taoiseach is availing of an opportunity next week to do so I would welcome that," she said.
Speaking in Limerick yesterday, Green Party leader John Gormley said the recent Mahon Tribunal revelations concerning the Taoiseach's finances were a "distraction" which was being blown out of proportion. He insisted he would prefer to get on with the business of government.
Controversy
Mr Gormley said that while a clarification was still needed, and a statement to the Dail next week would be acceptable, the controversy was taking precedence over other important issues.
On the Opposition benches, Fine Gael and the Labour Party last night confirmed that Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore intend to question Mr Ahern about the tribunal revelations in the Dail on Wednesday.
A Labour spokesman said the option of bringing another motion of no confidence against Mr Ahern after he returned from addressing the US Congress in Washington next month would be considered.
Amid speculation about the Taoiseach's plans, a Government spokesman could not confirm whether Mr Ahern would publicly address the issue.
"If he's asked it, he may decide to wait or he may decide to deal with it. That's an option he has," he said.
Independent TD Jackie-Healy Rae gave strong backing to Mr Ahern yesterday, saying that the controversy over his personal finances had been "blown out of proportion".
- Aine Kerr and Michael Brennan
