Standards body ‘decided not to probe payments to Ahern’

THE Standards in Public Office Commission has confirmed it received two complaints about Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s acceptance of money from businessmen, but decided not to launch a formal investigation.

The commission, which monitors the conduct of public office holders, released a carefully-worded statement yesterday after reports emerged it was inquiring into the payments made to Mr Ahern between 1993 and 1994, which totalled €63,000.

In the statement, the commission confirmed the receipt of two complaints from the public.

“The commission has corresponded with the Taoiseach on the matter and has received his full co-operation,” the statement said.

“The commission has not initiated an investigation of the complaints nor has it decided to appoint an inquiry officer in relation to the matter. The Standards Commission will shortly complete its consideration of these complaints.”

The language suggests the commission carried out a preliminary examination of the complaints, satisfied itself there was no need for a formal inquiry, and that the matter will go no further.

There was annoyance in Government circles, however, about the timing of this week’s revelations.

A Government source, who did not wish to be named because correspondence with the commission is supposed to be confidential, said the preliminary examination had begun last November, that the Taoiseach had co-operated fully, and that there were no grounds to the complaints.

The fact that the issue had surfaced again this week was therefore “very annoying”, the source said.