Bertie Censures Tribunal's Treatment

The Taoiseach has hit out at the Mahon Tribunal in its treatment of his secretary Grainne Carruth.

Speaking to reporters on Dublin on Thursday, Bertie Ahern described the treatment of his Ms Carruth as "appalling".

The Taoiseach addressed journalists whilst visiting University College Dublin, He said the manner in which she was treated was "totally unnecessary" and said he appalled by the way she was "harangued".

He said: "Talk about the way not to do something. She is a mother of three, and they called her back on Holy Thursday. It's low life stuff."

He added: "There was no need to harangue her, she just didn't remember something," he said. "She was concealing nothing."

Ms Carruth fell to tears when presented with evidence during the Mahon hearing showing sterling lodgements she had made into Mr Ahern and his family’s accounts. She had previously denied making such payments.

(DW/JM)