Changing recollection: Celia Larkin’s four versions of events

CELIA LARKIN’S four different versions of events about the IR£28,772.90 paid to Bertie Ahern from businessman Michael Wall.

* Her statement to the tribunal, June 14, 2006:

According to Ms Larkin, Mr Wall requested her to open a bank account for him at AIB, O’Connell Street. It was Mr Wall who deposited the money there on December 5, 1994, she said.

* Her original interview with the tribunal, June 14, 2006:

She said Gerry Brennan, Mr Ahern’s solicitor, was present when the transaction took place. Ms Larkin took the money from Mr Wall in Mr Brennan’s office. She said it may have been sterling, but that was “speculation”.

* Her solicitor’s letter to the tribunal, July 24, 2007:

She said the bank account was not opened on instructions from Mr Wall. It was opened after a conversation with solicitor Gerry Brennan. Ms Larkin was the one who lodged the money. She did not collect the money from the solicitor’s office but rather was asked by Bertie Ahern to collect a briefcase from his constituency office and bring it to the bank.

* Her evidence yesterday at Dublin Castle, September 12, 2007:

Ms Larkin clarified that not only did she open the account and carry the money to the bank, but she was also present when the bundles of cash were handed to Mr Ahern in his constituency office. She saw Mr Ahern bring some to his safe.

There were bundles of sterling on the table, not dollars, she said.