Ahern denies knowledge of Duffy affair

The Taoiseach has denied knowing that a former special advisor to him lobbied Fianna Fail councillors to vote in favour of a 1998 rezoning scheme in Santry, Co Dublin.

Opposition parties are demanding an internal inquiry into the claims that Paddy Duffy made the calls from the Taoiseach's office.

Bertie Ahern also said the project itself was not controversial, was initiated by the city manager and got cross-party support.

However, Opposition parties have demanded that Mr Ahern make a full statement to the Dail on the issue and that an inquiry be set up in the Taoiseach's department to investigate the claims.