Banking Inquiry: Ahern ‘never told specifics’ on Quinn

Ex-taoiseach Bertie Ahern has insisted he was never told about the specifics of developer Seán Quinn’s issues with Angle Irish Bank — despite a private meeting at his home with Brian Cowen days after the 2008 St Patrick’s Day stock exchange “massacre”.

The former leader of Fianna Fáil made the claim at the banking inquiry yesterday, a meeting which also saw him argue that nobody told him Ireland was facing “boom or bust”, that he only knew banks had “liquidity” issues, and that he is not responsible for financial regulator failures.

Mr Ahern said