Ahern accuses Tribunal of attempt at 'stitch-up'

Bertie Ahern put in a combative performance in the witness box at the Mahon Tribunal today. At one point, he accused the Tribunal of trying to "set me up or stitch me up".

He clashed with Tribunal counsel Des O’Neill SC about details on the operation of an AIB loan he sought in December 1993.

“To think that AIB would get into a conspiracy with me to set up such a convoluted set of circumstances is unbelievable,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Ahern’s barrister, Conor Maguire SC, also intervened to claim that Mr O’Neill was constructing “an elaborate hypothesis”.

“It is fanciful and not rooted in evidence,” Mr Maguire added.

Earlier, Mr Ahern snapped at Mr O’Neill when he inquired about how he saved money during his separation.

“I don’t think (it) is any of your damn business. I saved it,” said the Taoiseach.

Mr Ahern later left the Tribunal building after 4pm to a chorus of jeers and cheers from about 100 onlookers.

When asked by reporters if he was frustrated with Tribunal questions in the witness box, he replied: “Long day, long day.”

Mr Ahern will resume his second day of evidence at the Mahon Tribunal tomorrow before the inquiry adjourns for its Christmas break.