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16/09/2008
Ahern Faces Tough Day In Tribunal
The former Taoiseach has faced a tough day of questioning in the Mahon Tribunal, which even saw a member of the public in the gallery removed by Gardaí.
Bertie Ahern latest round of questioning at the Tribunal heard questions on dealings with Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawler's son, Nial, as well as an alleged £30,000 cash payment into his bank account.
However, the most dramatic moment of the day came as a member of the public approached the judge and lawyers while launching into a personal attack on Mr Ahern.
The man is said to have unfurled a sheet of paper containing allegations of a personal nature against Mr Ahern, which the man proceeded to read out loudly in court, and contained the word "conman".
The Tribunal was temporarily halted while the man was escorted from the building by gardaí.
Upon resumption of the hearing, Mr Ahern was questioned on whether he had met Nial Lawlor, who was working for a US Investment banker firm in California.
The firm was seeking to become involved in the financing of a new sports stadium in Ireland.
Mr Ahern denied any discussions on the stadium with Mr Lawlor, despite evidence they had met at a private party in San Diego, with Bertie only conceding they may have exchanged "pleasantries".
The Tribunal is also investigating allegations that while in his earlier capacity as Finance Minister, Bertie had accepted a £30,000 bribe from developer Owen Callaghan to exempt the now Liffey Valley centre from tax designation.
The allegation originates from another developer, Tom Gilmartin, who has said Mr O'Callaghan told him he paid Mr Ahern £30,000 in return for the exemption.
Both Mr O'Callaghan and Mr Ahern deny the payment.
However, on Tuesday Mr Ahern admitted making a cash lodgement of £30,000 in 1994, which the prosecution argued was one month after a meeting with O'Callaghan.
Bertie Ahern denied knowledge of any such meeting taking place and told the court the £30,000 was from a collection of savings from his home safe.
(DW)
Bertie Ahern latest round of questioning at the Tribunal heard questions on dealings with Fianna Fail TD Liam Lawler's son, Nial, as well as an alleged £30,000 cash payment into his bank account.
However, the most dramatic moment of the day came as a member of the public approached the judge and lawyers while launching into a personal attack on Mr Ahern.
The man is said to have unfurled a sheet of paper containing allegations of a personal nature against Mr Ahern, which the man proceeded to read out loudly in court, and contained the word "conman".
The Tribunal was temporarily halted while the man was escorted from the building by gardaí.
Upon resumption of the hearing, Mr Ahern was questioned on whether he had met Nial Lawlor, who was working for a US Investment banker firm in California.
The firm was seeking to become involved in the financing of a new sports stadium in Ireland.
Mr Ahern denied any discussions on the stadium with Mr Lawlor, despite evidence they had met at a private party in San Diego, with Bertie only conceding they may have exchanged "pleasantries".
The Tribunal is also investigating allegations that while in his earlier capacity as Finance Minister, Bertie had accepted a £30,000 bribe from developer Owen Callaghan to exempt the now Liffey Valley centre from tax designation.
The allegation originates from another developer, Tom Gilmartin, who has said Mr O'Callaghan told him he paid Mr Ahern £30,000 in return for the exemption.
Both Mr O'Callaghan and Mr Ahern deny the payment.
However, on Tuesday Mr Ahern admitted making a cash lodgement of £30,000 in 1994, which the prosecution argued was one month after a meeting with O'Callaghan.
Bertie Ahern denied knowledge of any such meeting taking place and told the court the £30,000 was from a collection of savings from his home safe.
(DW)
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02 April 2008
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.
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.
25 September 2008
Ahern Steps Into Executive's Policing Row
While he has "cautioned against Sinn Fein and the DUP escalating the current impasse over NI Executive meetings", the Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (pictured with former UK PM, Tony Blair) has weighed into the row over devolution of policing and justice powers at Stormont.
Ahern Steps Into Executive's Policing Row
While he has "cautioned against Sinn Fein and the DUP escalating the current impasse over NI Executive meetings", the Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern (pictured with former UK PM, Tony Blair) has weighed into the row over devolution of policing and justice powers at Stormont.
04 November 2008
Swathes Of Irish Deported From American Soil
Despite recent pressures from the Irish Government on America's politicians, increasing numbers of Irish citizens are being sent home from the United States. A total of 27 Irish people were reportedly deported this year alone from New York, with less than half of this figure deported the previous year.
Swathes Of Irish Deported From American Soil
Despite recent pressures from the Irish Government on America's politicians, increasing numbers of Irish citizens are being sent home from the United States. A total of 27 Irish people were reportedly deported this year alone from New York, with less than half of this figure deported the previous year.
01 May 2008
Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status
In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America. He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.
Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status
In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America. He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.
09 April 2008
Reynolds Gives Cowen His Blessing
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has given his full support to Brian Cowen, who is set to become new leader of Fianna Fail today. Albert Reynolds took Brian Cowen from the backbenches in 1992, giving him the role of Minister for Energy. Mr Reynolds said he wasn’t surprised that the out going Tánaiste has reached the top job.
Reynolds Gives Cowen His Blessing
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has given his full support to Brian Cowen, who is set to become new leader of Fianna Fail today. Albert Reynolds took Brian Cowen from the backbenches in 1992, giving him the role of Minister for Energy. Mr Reynolds said he wasn’t surprised that the out going Tánaiste has reached the top job.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered showers of rain, sleet and, over hills, snow in the morning with sunny spells, the best of these in the south. The showers dying out this afternoon with increasing amounts of sunshine. Occasionally fresh westerly or northwesterly winds easing. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
