Ahern: Haughey’s actions wrong and inappropriate

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has condemned the actions of his former mentor, Charles Haughey, following yesterday's report from the Moriarty Tribunal.

The report said Mr Haughey took millions of pounds from wealthy businessmen between 1979 and 1996 and did some of them political favours in return for the money.

Speaking at the opening of the Dublin Port Tunnel this morning, Mr Ahern said the former Taoiseach's actions were entirely wrong and inappropriate.

However, he said he himself had done more than anyone else to put rules in place to ensure such conduct does not happen again.

The Moriarty Report also criticised Mr Ahern for signing blank cheques for Mr Haughey while he was Fianna Fáil treasurer.

The Taoiseach, however, said today that he would never have done so if he thought it would have led to an abuse of party funds.