Ahern Wins High Court Hinder Of Tribunal

Bertie Ahern has won two significant victories over the Mahon Tribunal, hindering its powers.

The Taoiseach's lawyers hammered out two major concessions at the High Court in Dublin on Tuesday, which could have a significant impact on the hearing.

The Tribunal was compelled to agree to hand over documents to Bertie's lawyers detailing how the tribunal reached certain conclusions surrounding deposits of sterling, which they used to question Mr Ahern's aid.

In another significant hampering of the tribunal, Mr Ahern reclaimed his privilege of office to stop the hearing from questioning him on comments he made previously in the Daíl. Ministers speaking in the Irish Oireachtas can claim absolute privilege and are free from prosecution on what is said in the house.

The Taoiseach's legal team is in court again on Wednesday challenging a third aspect of the tribunal; Private communications between Mr Ahern's legal team and banking adviser Paddy Stronge, who had assisted Bertie’s staff with their evidence.

The decision from the court on this issue could prove pivotal not only for the Taoiseach's defence, but also for the reputation of the tribunal itself. A third defeat could decimate the standing of the tribunal and its findings so far.

However, it is not plain sailing just yet for Mr Ahern, begining a tough day in the Daíl as the second day of the trial continues. The leaders of Fine Gael and the Labour party are preparing to question the Taoiseach on the matters raised at the tribunal and have said they expect a lengthy and candid statement. But Mr Ahern is expected to keep any discussion recent revelations very brief indeed, and redirect any questions to the findings of the tribunal.

Despite Mr Ahern's High Court victories, his party remains damaged by the tribunal and has yet to rule out a vote of no confidence, which could oust their leader.

(DW/JM)