Ahern fighting for political life over Manchester payment

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is fighting for his political life today amid growing concern about an £8,000 (€11,800) payment he received at a function in Manchester 12 years ago.

Yesterday, the Government agreed to hold a special Dáil debate next week to allow Mr Ahern to clarify details of the payment he received from a number of businessmen.