Dealing with cash for 7 years was ‘easier’

BERTIE AHERN told the Mahon Tribunal yesterday he had dealt in cash for the seven years after his marital separation, because he thought it was “easier”.

The tribunal is inquiring into the sources of Mr Ahern’s personal finances amid allegations — which he rejects — he was given bribes totalling £80,000 in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Sparks flew when tribunal lawyer Des O’Neill SC asked him why he took out a £19,115 AIB loan in late 1993 when he had £54,000 in cash available.