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07/04/2008
Ahern Proposes Tribunal Overhaul
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said hearings such as the Mahon Tribunal should answer to Oireachtas.
Mr Ahern spoke out last week about the treatment of his former secretary at the tribunal who had been reduced to tears during cross examination. Mr Ahern labelled her treatment as "appaling", and has said tribunals should now be made accountable to a cross-party Oireachtas committee — a suggestion the opposition last night dismissed as "absolute nonsense".
Mr Ahern drew comparisons between his troubles with the Mahon Tribunal, which is looking at his past finances, and that of former US president Bill Clinton, who lost his presidency after investigation by independent counsel Kenneth Starr.
"No one should be free from objective and fair scrutiny when they are in such positions of power. Everybody has to be accountable to somebody," Mr Ahern said of the tribunals.
"We have to learn lessons from the United States. After the Ken Starr inquisition of Bill Clinton, a review of the role of independent counsel was set up... In my view, the time has come for a review of important aspects of tribunals in this country."
But a Labour spokesperson said such a move "would defeat the whole purpose of the exercise".
"The principle is that they are independent in the discharge of their duties, and if you make a tribunal answerable in any respect to an Oireachtas committee, the Government will have a majority on that committee, making the tribunal in effect answerable to the Government."
Mr Ahern is thought to have offered his premature resignation under pressure from revelations begot at the Mahon Tribunal hearings.
(DW/JM)
Mr Ahern spoke out last week about the treatment of his former secretary at the tribunal who had been reduced to tears during cross examination. Mr Ahern labelled her treatment as "appaling", and has said tribunals should now be made accountable to a cross-party Oireachtas committee — a suggestion the opposition last night dismissed as "absolute nonsense".
Mr Ahern drew comparisons between his troubles with the Mahon Tribunal, which is looking at his past finances, and that of former US president Bill Clinton, who lost his presidency after investigation by independent counsel Kenneth Starr.
"No one should be free from objective and fair scrutiny when they are in such positions of power. Everybody has to be accountable to somebody," Mr Ahern said of the tribunals.
"We have to learn lessons from the United States. After the Ken Starr inquisition of Bill Clinton, a review of the role of independent counsel was set up... In my view, the time has come for a review of important aspects of tribunals in this country."
But a Labour spokesperson said such a move "would defeat the whole purpose of the exercise".
"The principle is that they are independent in the discharge of their duties, and if you make a tribunal answerable in any respect to an Oireachtas committee, the Government will have a majority on that committee, making the tribunal in effect answerable to the Government."
Mr Ahern is thought to have offered his premature resignation under pressure from revelations begot at the Mahon Tribunal hearings.
(DW/JM)
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29 May 2008
Ahern Back At Mahon For Three Day Hearing
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to appear again before the Mahon Tribunal next week to answer questions about lodgements to his accounts. The inquiry has set aside three days in total to hear from the former Taoiseach, including Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday for Mr Ahern's appearance.
Ahern Back At Mahon For Three Day Hearing
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to appear again before the Mahon Tribunal next week to answer questions about lodgements to his accounts. The inquiry has set aside three days in total to hear from the former Taoiseach, including Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday for Mr Ahern's appearance.
02 April 2008
Bye Bye Bertie
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Bye Bye Bertie
The Irish Taoiseach has announced he will resign amidst an array of controversy over his financial affairs. Bertie Ahern called a short notice press conference in Dublin on Wednesday morning starting a frenzy of speculation he would announce his resignation.
22 February 2008
Taoiseach censured over comments in trial
The second day of the Mahon Tribunal has seen fierce criticism fired the way of Bertie Ahern who is being questioned over his personal finances, and his defending counsel.
Taoiseach censured over comments in trial
The second day of the Mahon Tribunal has seen fierce criticism fired the way of Bertie Ahern who is being questioned over his personal finances, and his defending counsel.
01 April 2008
Ahern's Mahon Tribunal Challenge Begins At High Court
The Irish Taoiseach’s challenge to the Mahon Tribunal is due to begin on Tuesday. Bertie Ahern is taking the Tribunal to the High Court in an effort to restrict the tribunal’s scope to investigate, and to gain access to some of the tribunal’s own privy information.
Ahern's Mahon Tribunal Challenge Begins At High Court
The Irish Taoiseach’s challenge to the Mahon Tribunal is due to begin on Tuesday. Bertie Ahern is taking the Tribunal to the High Court in an effort to restrict the tribunal’s scope to investigate, and to gain access to some of the tribunal’s own privy information.
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Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
