Taoiseach says Paraic O'Connor disowning him is his own business

The Taoiseach has told the Mahon Tribunal today that Paraic O'Connor was a friend of his, but that if

Mr O'Connor wants to disown him now then that's his business.

Bertie Ahern was facing questioning about money he received from a group of people in late 1993 and claims by one of them - Mr O'Connor - that the donation he gave was not a personal one.

Mr Ahern has concluded his second consecutive day of evidence at Dublin Castle.

In evidence already given to the Mahon Tribunal Paraic O'Connor admitted to donating IR£5,000 to Bertie Ahern in 1993, but claimed it was for his constituency and not him personally.

Giving evidence today Mr Ahern said as far as he was concerned it was personal.

He said, “I know Mr O'Connor, he was in my office endlessly when he was chairman of NCB,

I know his family, I even went to his house.”

Mr Ahern said: “If years later Mr O'Connor wants to disown me then that's his own bloody business”.

Earlier today the Mahon Tribunal defended itself against an attack by the Taoiseach's lawyers.

Bertie Ahern's counsel have claimed he's being treated as a defendant and not a witness.

But tribunal lawyer Des O'Neill rejected accusations that he's pursuing an agenda.