The game changeth once more, perhaps…..Update
The Mahon Tribunal’s declaration today that it can find no record of a £30,000 sterling lodgement into Mr Ahern’s accounts from Manchester businessman, Michael Wall has placed a new ingredient into the coalition mix.
Nevertheless, Fine Gael’s clear hopes that the events in Dublin Castle give it new grounds for hope may be misplaced, given the sober tone adopted on Questions and Answers by Progressive Democrat ex-TD, Fiona O’Malley and Independent TD, Finian McGrath.
Fianna Fail’s Brian Lenihan was adamant that the latest chapter will have “no impact”, and, privately, Fianna Fail quarters believe that Fine Gael’s decision to issue a statement in Fergus O’Dowd’s name will backfire on Enda Kenny.
Fine Gael had a number of people in Dublin Castle to observe the Tribunal’s opening statement, though long-term observers of its work are under no doubt about the significance of its declaration.
Mr Ahern’s legal counsel’s decision to accuse the Tribunal of being involved in a malicious conspiracy against the Taoiseach is a high-wire act, which could have serious consequences for all concerned.
However, the legal counsel did not challenge the tribunal’s assertion about the sterling lodgement - a fact that was the source of much comment from those present in the Castle this afternoon.
A fortnight ago Mr Ahern said Wall’s money was lodged into his account. Now the tribunal says that it can find records to show that only £1,900 sterling was lodged. This is a major discrepancy, which, if proved, raises serious questions about everything else that Mr Ahern has said. However, it must be pointed out that Des O’Neill SC, for the tribunal, said that no one should draw any conclusions from the figures and that there might be other explanations for them.
In addition, Mr Ahern’s finances will not stay on the tribunal’s agenda beyond tomorrow, when Tom Gilmartin comes before it to make his allegations about the tax designation issues surrounding Blanchardstown shopping centre.
The Progressive Democrats have been burnt badly by involvement with the tribunals and will be no in mood for a reprise, particularly since they must get back into government if they are to have any chance of rebuilding their organisation.
However, senior Fine Gael figures have for days been saying that they are not out of the running to form a new government. Maybe they are right, maybe not, we shall see. The coming days will tell a lot.
But it is just as likely that Mr Ahern’s finances will slip below the radar until they are finally teased out by the tribunal in October, or so. By then, a new government will have long since been formed. Decisions on some issues can be delayed……
5:17 pm
A key moment in the battle for government was when the PDs had misgivings on the source of Bertie’s money. Their ambition wrestled with their conscience and ambition won. If they had followed their initial instincts the result of the election would have been entirely different. They may have suffered losses but would have retained their integrity and some more seats. They sacrificed themselves in the battle for FF/PD hegemony and lost. While their leader has fled the battlefield it is ironic that last remaining warrier but one will now decide who will govern.
Comment by Aeneas