Ahern attempts to end debate on payments crisis

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday attempted to close the saga over his payments’ controversy when he tersely refused to continue “rehashing the same questions”.

During one of the shortest Leaders Questions sessions since 2002, Mr Ahern brusquely dismissed further questioning by opposition leaders.

When Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny put it to him that his explanation of how he saved £50,000 (€63,000) was incredible, Mr Ahern replied: “I gave comprehensive answers yesterday so I will not go on each day rehashing the same questions.”