Ahern soccer trips as developer's guest confirmed

Government sources have rejected suggestions that there was anything improper in the Taoiseach's travelling to a number of Manchester…

Government sources have rejected suggestions that there was anything improper in the Taoiseach's travelling to a number of Manchester United games as a guest of property developer Mr Norman Turner while he was in Opposition.

The sources confirmed that Mr Ahern accepted corporate hospitality from Mr Turner, who at the time was seeking to develop a stadium, casino and hotel at Phoenix Park, Dublin. Mr Turner paid for a number of trips by Mr Ahern to see the games at Old Trafford. The sources believe these trips took place before Mr Ahern became Fianna Fail leader in 1995. Mr Ahern opposed Mr Turner's plans for Phoenix Park. Once he made his opposition clear when he became Taoiseach in 1997, the plan was dropped.

Mr Ahern is a keen Manchester United supporter and, according to sources close to him, used to travel to up to six matches in England every season when in Opposition. He paid £360 to travel to Old Trafford two weeks ago to see Manchester United receive the Premiership trophy.