The Taoiseach was under intense political pressure last night after Mr Justice Feargus Flood found the man he appointed minister for foreign affairs five years ago had acted corruptly.
Mr Ahern faced a second political embarrassment because of Mr Justice Flood's finding that Fianna Fáil's director of elections for the Nice Referendum campaign, Mr PJ Mara, had failed to co-operate with the tribunal.
In his devastatingly clear report, Mr Justice Flood left the way open for criminal proceedings against Mr Burke and 14 other people after he found that they had "obstructed and hindered" the tribunal's work.
Last night, the Opposition rounded on the Taoiseach for his decision to appoint Mr Burke to become minister for foreign affairs in 1997, despite allegations circulating at the time that he had received large payments.
However, Mr Ahern insisted yesterday that the evidence discovered by the tribunal was not available at the time.
There are also fears within high levels in the Government that Mr Mara will become "a lightning conductor" for the anti-Nice campaign, unless he steps aside quickly.
Demanding an urgent Dáil debate on the tribunal's interim report, the leader of Fine Gael, Mr Enda Kenny, said the findings raised "serious questions" about Mr Ahern's "judgment and motivation".
In his 150-page report, Mr Justice Flood ruled that Mr Burke had received corrupt payments from a succession of builders, including Mr Michael Bailey, Mr Tom Brennan and Mr Joseph McGowan.
And he ruled that Mr Burke, during his time as minister for communications in the late 1980s, had made decisions that were not in the public interest after receiving payments from Century Radio's main backer, Mr Oliver Barry.
Besides Mr Burke, Mr Justice Flood found that Mr Brennan, the Bailey brothers, Mr Tom Bailey's wife, Caroline; Mr Joseph Murphy jnr and Mr Joseph Murphy snr; Mr Barry; Mr James Stafford; Mr McGowan; Mr John Finnegan; Mr Roger Copsey; Mr Frank Reynolds; Mr Tim O'Keeffe; Mr John Bates had obstructed and hindered the tribunal's work.
The Flood tribunal's report has now been sent to the DPP, the Garda Commissioner, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Revenue Commissioners and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
Referring to the €21 million cost so far of the tribunal, Mr Justice Flood said €34.5 million has been paid to the Revenue Commissioners and Criminal Assets Bureau on issues investigated by the inquiry.
Welcoming the report's publication, the Taoiseach said: "I have no doubt that the ample and extensive powers of these agencies of the State will be applied to ensure that the law is both enforced and seen to be enforced."
Rejecting Opposition charges that he had been forced into setting up the tribunal, Mr Ahern said the Government had "responded in a comprehensive way to revelations of wrongdoing".
Describing the report as "profoundly significant", Mr Ahern said, "It sends out a clear message. These who act improperly and illegally while engaged in public life can be assured that their actions will be exposed."
In a brief statement, the Tánaiste and Progressive Democrat leader, Ms Harney, who is on official business in Russia, said the conclusions drawn by Mr Justice Flood were "clear and unambiguous".
"The finding of corruption is a very serious matter. These issues are now a matter for consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions and others," said Ms Harney.
Questioned about his position as Fianna Fáil director of elections, Mr Mara insisted last night: "I haven't even thought about it."
He served in the same role for the party in the general election campaign.
Refusing to respond to the non- co-operation finding against him, Mr Mara said: "I made a promise before I gave evidence to the Flood tribunal that I would give my evidence and that I would never again talk about it."
