Taoiseach under pressure over alleged lobbying

The opposition is today pressuring the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to address allegations that a former advisor used his office to lobby Fianna Fail councillors over a rezoning application in north Dublin.

Paddy Duffy allegedly used the Taoiseach’s office to urge Fianna Fail councillors to support the rezoning in Santry in 1998.

Labour described the revelation as very serious, while Fine Gael said it is reminiscent of the planning corruption currently under investigation at the Flood Tribunal.

"It is entirely wrong that calls should be made from the Taoiseach’s office telling people that their vote would be appreciated if they voted in a certain way," party spokesman Brian Hayes said.

"I think it’s most worrying that public servants who are paid for by the taxpayer should be going around acting as consultants or lobbyists for private developers."

The Taoiseach has denied that he had any knowledge of the lobbying.