Seven key battles and pincer attack means hostilities will continue
Yesterday, Newstalk 106FM reported the contents of a letter, dated October 2006, from the Mahon Tribunal to Mr Ahern in which the inquiry outlined the issues they sought to confirm.
1. That he had gone through all his personal records dating back to 1977 in relation to his wife’s and his children’s personal records.
The Taoiseach had told the Dáil on September 27, 2006: “I went through all my personal records dating back to 1977, in addition to my wife’s and children’s personal records.”
2. That he had taken advice on his records over seven years.
The Taoiseach said: “These issues with the tribunal, pertaining to me, have now gone on for seven years. I have carefully gone back through and taken advice on all of these records over seven years.”
3. That there was comprehensive documentation on the loans made to him and that such documentation was with the tribunal.
The Taoiseach said: “Deputy Rabbitte asked me earlier whether there was documentation on the circumstances of these loans from the individuals concerned. There is comprehensive documentation and it is with the tribunal.”
4. That he had provided all documentation requested, including sworn affidavits and statements of evidence.
The Taoiseach said: “I have provided all documentation requested, sworn affidavits, given statements of evidence and had no difficulty with this.”
5. That his documents included senior counsel’s advice and advice on tax obtained over the years.
The Taoiseach said: “I checked the matter with senior counsel and the tax authorities long ago, since I was involved in such issues.”
6. That he had up-to-date paperwork in relation to the loans from friends.
The Taoiseach said: “I followed the advice I got to the effect that these matters could not come out, and that I should keep the interest and the paperwork up to date.”
7. That he had records of capital gains tax and gift tax payments.
The Taoiseach said: “I paid capital gains tax and gift tax. It is not appropriate for me to spell out what I paid, but I assure the deputy that I did so following advice.”
Bertie Ahern has decried the Mahon Tribunal for dragging on longer than the two world wars. Yet, his sudden pincer movement against it ensures hostilities will last much longer still.
