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.