Tribunal condemns two of Ahern’s political confidants
The findings call into question Mr Ahern’s judgment in appointing Ray Burke to government in spite of grave suspicions of his involvement in corruption.
The Taoiseach’s embarrassment was further compounded by Mr Justice Flood’s criticism of long-time Fianna Fáil adviser PJ Mara. Mr Mara is expected to resign as Nice referendum campaign director after he was slated for not co-operating with the investigations.
Opposition leaders last night castigated former Fianna Fáil minister Ray Burke for his reprehensible abuse of his position as a public representative. But they also pointed out that Mr Ahern had promoted Mr Burke and staunchly defended him even after he was obliged to resign in disgrace in October 1997.
“It raises serious questions about the judgment and motivation of the Taoiseach in appointing Mr Burke to a senior and sensitive Cabinet position at a time when the Taoiseach knew that there were serious allegations against him,” Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said.
Labour leader Ruairí Quinn said the findings showed up some shameful misconduct in public life during the 1980s and 1990s. “It was the Taoiseach who saw it fit to bring Ray Burke back from the political wilderness that Albert Reynolds wisely confined him to. He described attempts by the Opposition to pin Mr Burke down on his behaviour as ‘the persistent hounding of an honourable man,’” Mr Quinn said.
The expected resignation of Mr Mara will come as an even more immediate blow with just over three weeks to go to polling in the re-run Nice referendum on October 19. Mr Mara, also director of elections in the May general election, was originally a confidante of Charles Haughey, and Mr Ahern relied heavily on his skills as a campaign strategist.
Mr Ahern yesterday conceded that he regretted appointing the former North Dublin TD as foreign affairs minister in his first government in June 1997. But he said the benefit of hindsight could not be applied to the situation and said that when he had examined corruption claims against Mr Burke, he did not have the benefit of forensic, legal and accountancy powers available to the Flood Tribunal team.
Mr Ahern said he had set up the Flood and Moriarty Tribunals and was happy that Mr Justice Flood had reached this stage. He said he was sending the report to the Criminal Assets Bureau; the Revenue Commissioners and the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
These could be expected to act upon its findings. At the same time, the Government had decided to appoint a Corruption Assets Bureau, which like its criminal counterpart, would seek to recover the proceeds of corrupt actions.
