FG: Sinister tribunal powers move

GOVERNMENT plans to proceed with legislation which would give it the powers to shut down a tribunal have been labelled “sinister” by Fine Gael.

Party leader Enda Kenny said yesterday the timing of the legislation was suspicious given that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is due to reappear at the Mahon Tribunal to give evidence before Christmas.

“There is a danger that this will be seen as intimidating a tribunal looking into the Taoiseach’s personal finances,” Mr Kenny told the Dáil. “I regard this move as being quite sinister.”