Aer Rianta says it was not source of Brennan allegations
The state airport management company’s claims came as Taoiseach Bertie Ahern moved to speed up investigations into the allegations which were strongly rejected by Mr Brennan.
“Aer Rianta has no knowledge whatsoever of the origin of the allegations,” a company spokesman said.
The statement followed ongoing speculation about tensions between Mr Brennan and Aer Rianta over plans to hive off Shannon and Cork airports as independent entities and also give control of a planned extra Dublin Airport terminal to another company.
These are compounded by speculation about appointments to the board of the State company. Government officials said the first investigation report could come as early as this evening.
The speeded-up investigations are clear evidence the Government sees the controversy as damaging whether the allegations are proven or not.
Mr Brennan admitted to the Dáil yesterday that he was the person at the centre of allegations which date back to sometime between 1989 and 1992.
But Mr Brennan also flatly denied that he had anything to do with the alleged expensive alcohol and tobacco.
He said that to the best of his recollection he never personally received, authorised, or had knowledge of ordering, purchasing or taking delivery of the items cited.
The Taoiseach said yesterday he accepted the assurances of Mr Brennan, who was also transport minister in the 1989-1992 Fianna Fáil-PD coalition, which was led by Charles Haughey.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the allegations were of a most serious nature.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte asked why this rejection of allegations could not have come as early as lunchtime last Sunday.
Mr Ahern rejected claims by Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin that there was a culture of corruption, mirrored by links with Fianna Fáil, associated with Aer Rianta.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
