Ahern stays silent on payment

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today firmly refused to comment on payments he received from businessmen while Finance Minister in 1993.

As Opposition leaders cranked up the pressure to make a clarifying statement, Mr Ahern shunned the media while carrying out his usual Monday engagements.

Speculation is mounting that the Taoiseach may explain himself tomorrow rather than drag the controversy into the Dáil on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Ahern has admitted that he received money from businessmen in 1993 to pay legal bills but denied reports that the amount received was between €50,000 and €100,000.

Former Tánaiste Mary Harney said she expects the Taoiseach to explain himself fully and refuted claims that the Progressive Democrats were too silent on the issue.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte earlier called for an immediate and definitive statement from Mr Ahern while the Greens sought a Dáil slot for an explanation.

A Greens spokesperson said it had not yet received a reply to an email sent to the Government Chief Whip’s office.

Mr Rabbitte said: “We need a statement from Mr Ahern to put this to bed before the Dáil resumes. It is not doing politics any good. He is the most senior politician in the land.”

He added: “He needs to make a statement about the identity of the donors. Did he make any decisions that benefited them?”

Finance spokesman Dan Boyle added: “It is not in the Taoiseach’s interest and the interest of the Government to allow these questions to remain unanswered.”

Ms Harney, Health Minister said: “I think the Taoiseach will clarify the matter. I’m not going to say whether I think he should or shouldn’t, I think he will. That would be my expectation,” she said.

She added: “When there are personal issues involved which is what is at the heart of this, I think we have always respected that,” she said.

“These are very harrowing times for individuals and we have never sought politically to get involved.”

Mr Ahern had earlier ignored questions from reporters on the issue at engagements in the capital.

Apart from reading scripted speeches, he remained silent as he opened a conservation programme at Dublin Zoo, unveiled a conference centre at Griffith College and marked the tenth anniversary of the School of Nursing and Midwifery on D’Olier Street.