McDowell issues mild rebuke but backs the Taoiseach

TÁNAISTE Michael McDowell finally broke his silence on Bertie Ahern’s payment crisis last night with near unequivocal support of the Taoiseach’s position.

In a statement issued after the Progressive Democrats’ parliamentary party meeting, Mr McDowell expressed some mild criticism of the Taoiseach’s acceptance of €50,000 in 1993 and 1994.

He said that the actions were ill-advised and that the Taoiseach should probably have declined such help.