Ahern in bid to halt probe on personal finances

AN attempt was made yesterday to have Taoiseach Bertie Ahern dropped from giving evidence to the Mahon Planning Tribunal, which was set up to probe planning corruption in the Dublin area.

His legal team argued Mr Ahern should not be called, insisting the inquiry does not have the power to investigate the Taoiseach’s private financial affairs.

Tribunal chairman Judge Alan Mahon said he would give his ruling next Monday.