Ahern accused of using kidnap to float ATM charges

JUSTICE Minister Dermot Ahern has been accused of using the kidnap trauma of a bank official and his wife to float the possibility of introducing ATM charges.

Yesterday, Mr Ahern said the Government may have to consider making banks charge for ATM withdrawals to reduce the amount of cash in circulation and discourage robberies.

However, Fine Gael accused the minister of “flying a kite”. Spokesman for social protection Michael Ring said banks were obliged to hold large sums for commercial customers.