Kenny: I don't believe Taoiseach's evidence

Opposition leader Enda Kenny today moved to table the first ever motion of no confidence in Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Mr Kenny said after a Fine Gael front bench meeting that the party believed Mr Ahern had not co-operated fully with the Mahon Tribunal on his 1990s financial affairs.

“We now believe that it is time to move a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach,” said Mr Kenny flanked by front bench TDs on the Leinster House plinth.

“We believe that he had not freely and fully co-operated with the Mahon Tribunal.

“We believe that he has not told the full truth to the Irish people.

“Therefore I would expect that a motion of no confidence will be taken as quickly as possible.”

Fine Gael said the likely wording of the motion, to be signed by Mr Kenny and Fine Gael TDs, is: “That Dáil Eireann has no confidence in An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.”

The Taoiseach will come face to face with Opposition leaders when he takes Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil this afternoon.

The parliamentary schedule of business may be reshuffled this evening to accommodate the vote of no confidence.

Mr Kenny added: “What I’m saying is that I don’t believe his evidence.

“I believe that a Taoiseach, on oath, giving evidence, should have full credibility in the eyes of the Irish people, but unfortunately this is not the case.”

The Mayo TD said that he didn’t move a similar motion before the General Election “because we didn’t have the evidence we have now.”

Mr Kenny said he hopes the Dáil will take the motion this evening.

“Normally these things are taken very quickly. I would expect that the Government would respond and I hope it is taken quickly, today if possible.

He added: “Obviously the Greens and the Progressive Democrats will have to make up their minds before voting on this issue.”