From airs and graces to disgrace

THE letter that would ultimately end Bertie Ahern’s career was sent on Oct 15, 2004.

The Mahon Tribunal informed him it was investigating an allegation that he had received bribes of £50,000 and £30,000 for planning favours. The allegation originated with builder Tom Gilmartin. He claimed his then partner Owen O’Callaghan had told him of the bribes.

The investigation was routine. Over the course of its life, the planning tribunal investigated dozens such allegations. The vast majority turned out to have no basis, or at least no supporting evidence.