04/06/2008

Ahern Could Walk Out Of Tribunal

Sources have revealed Bertie Ahern may walk out of the Mahon tribunal if the intense questioning about his personal finances continues.

The former Taoiseach is facing intense pressure at the tribunal as new revelation come to light. His ex-partner, Celia Larkin told the tribunal she was given €40,000 earlier this year by her former partner Bertie Ahern so she could repay money to Fianna Fáil's Dublin Central organisation.

Ms Larkin said her decision to repay the money, which amounted to €45,510 when interest was added, was not motivated by the fact that the tribunal had discovered the building society account from which the £30,000 had been given to her.

Wednesday will see Mr Ahern's ninth day in the witness box following previous appearances last September and December and in February this year. He is expected to face tough questions over the recent revelations by his ex-partner and also the previous testimony from his ex-secretary Grainne Carruth.

Legal sources said last night the former Taoiseach is now ready to walk out of the witness box if he feels the tribunal is stepping outside its terms of reference.

They said he will walk out of Dublin Castle and go to the High Court if he feels there is "over-questioning" from tribunal counsel Des O'Neill about his personal finances.

(DW)


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