Ethics laws to be tightened in wake of Ahern controversy

The Cabinet has agreed to tighten up ethics legislation governing payments to politicians in the wake of the controversy that almost led to the collapse of the Government last week.

The move is part of a deal between the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste aimed at ensuring the survival of the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition.

Speaking after this morning's Cabinet meeting in Dublin, PD leader Michael McDowell said the Standards in Public Office Commission would decide in future whether politicians can accept personal monetary assistance.

He said the move was designed to ensure that people can have confidence in the measures put in place to ensure good standards in Irish public life.