Taoiseach lashes out at allegations he delayed Planning Tribunal

The Taoiseach has rubbished allegations that he delayed the operations of the Planning and Payments Tribunal for five years which appeared in yesterday's Sunday Independent.

Bertie Ahern told journalists this evening that the report was unfounded and absurd.

The Taoiseach added that he is anxious for the Planning and Payments Tribunal to conclude its work so that he can have his name cleared.

Mr Ahern has said: “I was previously the subject of a false allegation by Mr Denis Starry O'Brien and I had to go to court to vindicate my repudiation.

"That is why I am so anxious to have the tribunal conclude its inquiry and report to the Oireachtas as soon as possible so I can get the public vindication to which I am entitled.”