Quinn accuses Ahern of misleading the public

Labour Party leader Ruairi Quinn has accused the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, of being economical with the truth in his recent statements about the Ray Burke corruption scandal.

Last night, Mr Ahern issued a statement saying he never hid the fact that he was aware of a £30,000 (€38,000) payment from builder Joseph Murphy to Mr Burke, but said he accepted Mr Burke’s contention that the money was a political donation and not a bribe.

However, Mr Quinn said today that this statement contradicts previous comments from both the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste.

"Mary Harney and Bertie Ahern have now told different stories about when they knew that Ray Burke had received a donation," he said. "What is now out in the public domain contradicts what they have said separately and individually."