Mahon Tribunal still looms large for Ahern

BY ANNOUNCING his departure date yesterday, the Taoiseach instantly removed the opposition and media chains from around his neck.

But the Mahon Tribunal continues to loom large on the horizon, and Mr Ahern’s difficulties at the inquiry will not be resolved easily.

By his own admission, Mr Ahern’s tribunal difficulties have “overshadowed” the work of the Government. That was the principal reason the opposition called for him to resign — their claim that the controversy over his personal finances was detracting from the affairs of state.