Marina decision lands Ahern in hot water

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern was embroiled in a major row over political patronage yesterday, this time over a controversial marina dubbed “Punchestown-on-Sea”.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny yesterday charged that the Taoiseach had personally approved €750,000 funding for the marina near Kenmare without the normal assessments on its merits being carried out by the Department of the Marine.

Mr Kenny said he intended to write to the Comptroller and Auditor General about the manner in which it was approved.