Harney: I didn’t halt off-shore tax probe

Former tánaiste Mary Harney last night denied she halted a probe into offshore tax accounts because prominent PD Des O’Malley’s name was on a list of people allegedly involved and that every opportunity had been afforded the investigation to finish its work.

“I am satisfied that correct procedures were followed both by me and the department. The goal was always to ensure that these matters were investigated thoroughly and dealt with correctly by the competent authorities,” Ms Harney said in a statement last night.

A full independent inquiry into allegations that former senior politicians held Ansbacher accounts has been demanded by Sinn Féin.