Ahern defends 'double standards' allegation

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today defended himself in the Dáil against allegations of “double standards” in public office.

Mr Ahern last night admitted receiving up to £39,000 (€49,500) in unpaid loans in 1993 and 1994 while he was Finance Minister.

Opposition leader Enda Kenny today asked Mr Ahern in the Dáil: “How is it that you are prepared to apply one standard to others but apply a different standard to yourself?”

Mr Ahern said several scurrilous allegations had been made against him in the past.

Referring to last week’s Mahon Tribunal leaks that triggered the controversy, he added: “The truth is more powerful than even the most baseless of political attacks. It was done in a calculated way to damage me.”

Reading from a script, he added: “I have served the State honestly and I challenge anybody to prove otherwise.”

Mr Ahern told RTÉ last night that 12 friends helped him pay legal bills arising from the legal separation from his wife Miriam in 1993.

Mr Kenny today also criticised Tánaiste Michael McDowell for his lack of response almost 24 hours after Mr Ahern’s admissions.

“And from you Tánaiste, the silence is deafening,” Mr Kenny said.

Mr McDowell is due to discuss the issue with his Progressive Democrats party after 6pm and may make a statement afterwards.