Harney's use of plane 'a puff of smoke', says Ahern

The Taoiseach has described the controversy surrounding Mary Harney's use of a government plane to travel to open a friend's off-licence in Co Leitrim as "a puff of smoke".

Speaking in Co Kildare, Bertie Ahern said that the Tanaiste had sought and been given permission to use the CASA aircraft and claimed she had met with "seven or eight development groups" in the area.

"I've heard today that local people were very grateful for the fact that she travelled and gave up her time for them", Mr Ahern said.

He added that even if the Tanaiste had used her state car as opposed to the CASA plane, the taxpayer would have footed the bill.