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01/02/2008
Taoiseach Hits Out At Controversial Claims
Bertie Ahern has strongly rejected controversial claims that surfaced regarding his involvement in helping casion operator Mr Turner get an Irish passport.
He hit out at “passport for sale” suggestions and insisted he was not covering-up close links to the English businessman.
He struck back against Fine Gael claims of links between his personal finances and helping to get a passport for a millionaire businessman.
Mr Ahern said the fact Mr Turner, who was seeking to build a casino in the Phoenix Park, had donated $10,000 to Fianna Fáil while the passport was being routed through his office had no bearing on the matter.
Although Mr Ahern categorically denied any wrongdoing, Fine Gael claimed official documentation showed Mr Turner had "assurances" from Mr Ahern on backing for the casino.
Fine Gael's Phil Hogan said Mr Ahern was "privately promoting" the casino project
Mr Ahern explained Mr Turner was entitled to a passport, stressing his Irish roots, but he did not explain why it was necessary for the application for an Irish passport from Mr Turner to be fast-tracked.
(VB)
He hit out at “passport for sale” suggestions and insisted he was not covering-up close links to the English businessman.
He struck back against Fine Gael claims of links between his personal finances and helping to get a passport for a millionaire businessman.
Mr Ahern said the fact Mr Turner, who was seeking to build a casino in the Phoenix Park, had donated $10,000 to Fianna Fáil while the passport was being routed through his office had no bearing on the matter.
Although Mr Ahern categorically denied any wrongdoing, Fine Gael claimed official documentation showed Mr Turner had "assurances" from Mr Ahern on backing for the casino.
Fine Gael's Phil Hogan said Mr Ahern was "privately promoting" the casino project
Mr Ahern explained Mr Turner was entitled to a passport, stressing his Irish roots, but he did not explain why it was necessary for the application for an Irish passport from Mr Turner to be fast-tracked.
(VB)
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