‘Extend scope of bank inquiry or it’s doomed’

The banking inquiry will be "doomed" if it seeks to exclude the actions of the current Government when it begins discussion on its terms of reference this week, according to one of its members, Fianna Fáil’s Michael McGrath.

Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil said they do not plan to withdraw their members despite a row over the inquiry’s make-up. However, Mr McGrath said the damage done to the committee in recent days will be “irreparable” if its Government majority is used to ensure its scope is limited to the previous, Fianna Fáil-led administration.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been forced to defend his handling of the issue, and insisted he will not remove the two members added to the committee late last week in a move aimed at securing a government majority.