FG accuses Ahern of using tax money like slush fund

Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny, has accused the Taoiseach of using taxpayer’s money like a party political slush fund before the last general election.

He was reacting to the controversy surrounding the approval process for the funding of a marine project near Kenmare.

"His excessive interference in this project amounts to an abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust placed in him as Taoiseach," said Deputy Kenny.

"This is a “Punchestown-by-the Sea” type project. It was given approval by the Minister for the Marine without any proper assessment of its merits being carried out by his Department.

“It is clear, from the documents released, that in December 2000 the approval process for this project was driven by the Taoiseach, his Programme Manager and Deputy Jackie Healy-Rea."

“With the local and European elections coming in June, it is important that everybody in public life is vigilant of another pre-election spree by this Government.”