Dermot Ahern urges 'perspective' on Bertie crisis

A senior Irish Government minister today called for a sense of perspective in the deepening crisis facing his boss, premier Bertie Ahern.

The nine-year term of the Fianna Fail party leader could end next week unless he can give a satisfactory explanation about an £8,000 (€11,800) payment he received while Finance Minister at a Manchester speaking function in 1994.