Ahern attacked for ‘appalling leadership’

FINE GAEL yesterday accused the Taoiseach of “appalling leadership” and “disgusting government” in his handling of the Michael Collins tax evasion affair.

However, Mr Ahern insisted there was no secrecy in the way he dealt with the information that the Limerick West TD had a bogus off-shore account and outstanding tax liabilities.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said the Taoiseach had failed to live up to the standards he himself had set down about errant Dáil members, and said the compliant taxpayers of the country deserved answers.