Fianna Fáil TD says Taoiseach needs to clarify sterling sums

THE CARLOW-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward has said that Bertie Ahern has been damaged by the evidence of Gráinne Carruth at the Mahon tribunal and that a clarification was needed from the Taoiseach.

Mr Aylward, a new TD elected last year, has become the first member of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to say in public that the Taoiseach faces a problem because of disclosures which show that £15,500 sterling was lodged to his building society account.

In contrast, a representative sample of Fianna Fáil TDs contacted by The Irish Timesyesterday expressed continuing public confidence in Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's continued leadership.

However, some did say they agreed with the views of Dún Laoghaire TD Barry Andrews that the Taoiseach should address the issue when the Dáil returns from its Easter break next Wednesday.

According to Mr Aylward, Ms Carruth's evidence to the Mahon tribunal has created difficulties for him. "There's a contradiction between what the Taoiseach has said in evidence and what was said before and what his private secretary from the time is now saying," said Mr Aylward.

"I think he is damaged and it's become a trial by media and the Opposition. He needs to clarify the situation, that's all I am saying.

"Ultimately the tribunal is going to make the decision. We should wait for that to happen.

"I am not going to call on anyone to resign. I am not setting the pace. I am only a backbencher," said Mr Aylward.

Earlier, Mr Andrews said that he expected the Taoiseach to address the issues raised by Ms Carruth's evidence during Leaders' Questions next Wednesday.

"That is where it will happen and in my view it should happen," said Mr Andrews.

"I think that it's the correct forum. It's not without precedent; he has answered tribunal questions before during Leaders' Questions. It's not a gross heresy on my part to suggest it.

"It will be better than other forums such as doorstep (interviews," he said.

Other Fianna Fáil TDs gave full public backing to the Taoiseach. Cork North Central TD Noel O'Flynn said the tribunal was the correct place for the Taoiseach to deal with the controversy.

"The Taoiseach has made it clear that any clarification that's required will be made to the tribunal," he said.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal Batt O'Keeffe said that all decisions were best left to Mr Ahern.

"He knows best what to do and will also know the appropriate time," said Mr O'Keeffe, adding that he was unaware of any worries or concerns from county councillors.

Michael Kennedy TD (Dublin North) said there seemed to be two sets of standards at play when it came to the Taoiseach.

"Obviously the tribunal is supposed to be confidential. I find it extraordinary that the whole confidential aspect is being thrown out the window," he said.

Darragh O'Brien TD, also from Dublin North, said he would welcome the Taoiseach responding in the Dáil to Opposition questions about the sterling lodgements.

"I do not think there would be any harm in it. The Dáil is the right place. But I would leave it up to the Taoiseach to adjudicate on this as it's not up to the Dáil to decide the evidence."

Former minister Michael Woods TD said: "It's a matter for the Taoiseach in the first instance, going by his own judgment, to decide whether he responds or not."

Charlie O'Connor TD, Dublin South West, said that people were talking about this issue in his constituency but it was not reflecting negatively on Mr Ahern.

Noel Treacy TD, from Galway East, said he believed the Taoiseach should not be asked to answer questions outside the tribunal.