08/07/2015
Call For Adams To Respond To Revelations Surrounding NAMA Deal
Fianna Fáil is calling on Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams to respond to the revelation that his colleague Martin McGuinness MLA attended a secret meeting with the Chairman of the investment company at the centre of the emerging controversy in Northern Ireland, less than six months after the £1.5bn sale.
The revelations, which appeared in today's Irish News, claim that both First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with Former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle to discuss the Cerberus deal, without making other party leaders or the northern media aware of the meetings.
Senator Thomas Byrne commented: "As each day passes, further information and further claims emerge about this deal and the circumstances surrounding it. This morning, we learned that there were secret meetings between the two most senior politicians in Northern Ireland and the Chairman of the company at the centre of the deal.
"Yesterday, Deputy Gerry Adams was forthright in this contribution to the Dáil, properly demanding answers and greater clarity about what happened here. But it now transpires that his very senior colleague Martin McGuinness was actually meeting privately with the person at the top of Cerberus less than six months after the deal.
"Deputy Adams made no reference to Sinn Féin's meeting with the Chairman of Cerberus while making his remarks. The obvious first question arising is whether he was aware of the meeting and if so, why it was not disclosed.
"The next and more serious question is what was discussed at this meeting. At that time, it now appears clear that serious concerns were emerging at a senior business and political level in the North about the process. What was known about the problems around the departure of PIMCO from the bidding process and questions arising from their claims to NAMA?
"Did Deputy First Minister McGuinness raise these issues? Did he seek assurances from the Cerberus Chairman about how his company managed its bid? Was there any other contact between Sinn Féin and Cerberus before or after that meeting?"
(CD/JP)
The revelations, which appeared in today's Irish News, claim that both First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with Former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle to discuss the Cerberus deal, without making other party leaders or the northern media aware of the meetings.
Senator Thomas Byrne commented: "As each day passes, further information and further claims emerge about this deal and the circumstances surrounding it. This morning, we learned that there were secret meetings between the two most senior politicians in Northern Ireland and the Chairman of the company at the centre of the deal.
"Yesterday, Deputy Gerry Adams was forthright in this contribution to the Dáil, properly demanding answers and greater clarity about what happened here. But it now transpires that his very senior colleague Martin McGuinness was actually meeting privately with the person at the top of Cerberus less than six months after the deal.
"Deputy Adams made no reference to Sinn Féin's meeting with the Chairman of Cerberus while making his remarks. The obvious first question arising is whether he was aware of the meeting and if so, why it was not disclosed.
"The next and more serious question is what was discussed at this meeting. At that time, it now appears clear that serious concerns were emerging at a senior business and political level in the North about the process. What was known about the problems around the departure of PIMCO from the bidding process and questions arising from their claims to NAMA?
"Did Deputy First Minister McGuinness raise these issues? Did he seek assurances from the Cerberus Chairman about how his company managed its bid? Was there any other contact between Sinn Féin and Cerberus before or after that meeting?"
(CD/JP)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 March 2016
Second Meeting Of Dairy Forum Held Ahead Of Key Meeting Of EU Agriculture Ministers
Key stakeholders from the Irish dairy sector have met with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, at the second meeting of the Dairy Forum. The forum discussed ongoing challenges in the sector and focussed on preparations for next week's key meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Brussels.
Second Meeting Of Dairy Forum Held Ahead Of Key Meeting Of EU Agriculture Ministers
Key stakeholders from the Irish dairy sector have met with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, at the second meeting of the Dairy Forum. The forum discussed ongoing challenges in the sector and focussed on preparations for next week's key meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Brussels.
13 March 2014
PAC Sends Rehab Report To Gardaí
A report on the allegations made against Rehab has been passed to Gardaí by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). It follows a private meeting held this morning by the PAC to discuss correspondence from developer John Kelly.
PAC Sends Rehab Report To Gardaí
A report on the allegations made against Rehab has been passed to Gardaí by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). It follows a private meeting held this morning by the PAC to discuss correspondence from developer John Kelly.
14 November 2013
Date Set For Bailout Exit
Ireland will exit the EU/IMF bailout without a precautionary credit line, the government has announced. It is understood the decision was reached during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday morning, which followed the Troika's 12th and final visit last week. Ireland is set to leave the bailout program on 15 December.
Date Set For Bailout Exit
Ireland will exit the EU/IMF bailout without a precautionary credit line, the government has announced. It is understood the decision was reached during a cabinet meeting held on Thursday morning, which followed the Troika's 12th and final visit last week. Ireland is set to leave the bailout program on 15 December.
19 April 2012
Report Says Clamping Fine Should Rise 60%
Dublin City Council have issued a new report saying that motorists in the city should face a 60% increase in clamping charges. The parking appeals officer says the €80 charge has not been increased since it was introduced in 1998.
Report Says Clamping Fine Should Rise 60%
Dublin City Council have issued a new report saying that motorists in the city should face a 60% increase in clamping charges. The parking appeals officer says the €80 charge has not been increased since it was introduced in 1998.
11 March 2011
Taoiseach Meets European Council In Brussels
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in Brussels today to participate in an Extraordinary Meeting of the European Council and an Informal Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Euro area. The Extraordinary meeting of the European Council was convened by President Van Rompuy to discuss the situation in Libya and the surrounding areas.
Taoiseach Meets European Council In Brussels
Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in Brussels today to participate in an Extraordinary Meeting of the European Council and an Informal Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Euro area. The Extraordinary meeting of the European Council was convened by President Van Rompuy to discuss the situation in Libya and the surrounding areas.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.