Taoiseach repeats denial of cash-in-suitcase allegations

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has again denied that he took a suitcase full of cash on a trip to Manchester 13 years ago.

Newspaper reports yesterday said the money was withdrawn from a bank by Mr Ahern's former partner, Celia Larkin.

She then reportedly left the cash with Mr Ahern's garda driver, who passed it on the following day before Mr Ahern took it on a plane trip to Manchester.

The former driver reportedly passed the information to Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins, who in turn gave the details to the Planning Tribunal.

However, the tribunal is understood to have taken no action on the matter.

Mr Ahern and Ms Larkin have already denied the newspaper reports and have accused Fine Gael of engaging in a pre-election smear campaign.

Asked about the matter in Dublin today, the Taoiseach reiterated his denial and said any money he ever took to Manchester was to cover his expenses in the city.